NYMC > Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBMS) > GSBMS Alumni Profiles > Dhara Patel-Lakhkar

Dhara Patel-Lakhkar, Ph.D. '13 - Physiology

   Dhara Patel Lakhkar
   

What made you choose New York Medical College?

New York Medical College has an excellent research program to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences at the GSBMS. Along with the excellent research program, NYMC has a very well organized and intense course work which provides in-depth knowledge of the subject to all M.S., Ph.D. and M.D. candidates. In order to fulfill my dream of earning a Ph.D., I couldn’t have been at a better place than NYMC. NYMC has world-renowned scientists in many departments and I was extremely lucky to get a chance to do my Ph.D. work under the mentorship of Dr. Michael S. Wolin in the Department of Physiology.

What is your fondest memory of New York Medical College?

I have been blessed both professionally and personally at NYMC and I have so many good memories about NYMC. Not only did I receive my Ph.D. in physiology, I also met my amazing husband here. During my Ph.D. program, I enjoyed a lot interacting with my thesis advisor Dr. Wolin. Along with important aspects of science, I also learned important life lessons from him that have been very helpful in real life. The NYMC Department of Physiology has been a very important part of my life. I will always remember my interactions with Dr. Messina, Dr. Thompson and Dr. Belloni. Out of all these amazing memories, my fondest memory is my husband, Anand, receiving his Ph.D. at graduation in May 2016 at Carnegie Hall in New York City! It was a great honor for me to hood him on stage when he received his Ph.D. NYMC will always be close to our hearts.

What is your current professional role/position and some highlights of your career track?

After graduating, I continued working with Dr. Wolin for a while. I was one of the ten candidates selected from a competitive pool of scientists and physicians by the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) to serve as a Science Policy Advocate/Research Advocate for the year of 2015. Currently I am focused on developing my career in Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Research in India.

Based on your experiences, what advice would you give to future students and/or future alumni of New York Medical College?

To future students: If you are planning to apply for any program at NYMC, you are making a right decision. This place will definitely help you to get ahead. This place will provide you an opportunity to interact with world-renowned scientists. The curriculum will help you develop your understanding of the subject. I have met amazing people here and I am sure you will too!

To future alumni: Enjoy your time right now at NYMC and take advantage of this opportunity to learn. You will miss NYMC once you graduate.

When you're not working, where are you most likely to be found/what are you most likely to be doing?

I enjoy cooking a lot. I feel very relaxed when I cook. Whenever I am not working, I am either searching for new recipes of different cuisines or cooking.