By Venkat Nagam

Sacramento, Ca: Suvidha International Foundation, a California-based nonprofit, successfully hosted the “Gateway to Medicine” Summer Camp—an educational initiative that inspired a new wave of Indian American youth to consider careers in healthcare. Held from July 21st to 23rd at the Art of Living Center in Folsom, California, the immersive three-day camp delivered ten hours of interactive learning to 40 middle and high school students. With a focus on hands-on experiences, expert talks, and peer-led learning, the camp sparked curiosity and confidence among participants—many of whom were taking their first steps into the world of medicine.

What made this camp particularly unique was its youth-led design and execution. Spearheaded by three ambitious students—Anoushka Bellum, a recent graduate of Vista Del Lago High School; Sriram Vempati, a rising junior at Granite Bay High School; and Arjun Dhulipala, a rising sophomore at the same school—the camp reflected the leadership, energy, and relatability of its organizers. Aspiring doctors themselves, these student leaders used their own experiences to craft a program that would resonate with peers, blending rigorous content with interactive, engaging formats.

Students from a wide range of Sacramento-area schools participated, representing communities from Folsom, Granite Bay, Rocklin, Elk Grove, and beyond. They came from institutions like Sutter Middle School, Vista Del Lago High School, Mira Loma High School, and Pleasant Grove High School, forming a diverse cohort united by a shared passion for healthcare and a thirst for learning.

The program offered a wide array of hands-on activities, designed to mirror real clinical experiences. In one standout session, Dr. Vijay Parikh led a live CPR demonstration, teaching students how to identify cardiac arrest and perform effective chest compressions using professional manikins. In another session, Dr. Venu Bellum introduced students to basic suturing techniques using synthetic skin pads, giving them a glimpse into the meticulous nature of surgical practice.

To bring biology to life, the student leaders guided a lung function experiment using balloons and household items to mimic respiration and airflow, making concepts like asthma and pneumothorax understandable and memorable. Students also practiced using real diagnostic tools—manual blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, and pulse oximeters—gaining hands-on familiarity with the instruments of modern medicine.

A favorite among many was the Medical Scavenger Hunt, which challenged teams to match 18 medical instruments—including otoscopes, ECG machines, forceps, and spirometers—to their proper uses. Blending education with excitement, the activity reinforced key knowledge while encouraging teamwork and quick thinking.

First-aid workshops added a practical life skills component. Students practiced wrapping injuries, managing minor bleeding, and supporting sprains, developing the ability to respond confidently in emergency situations. These sessions proved to be among the most empowering for many students, equipping them with skills they could apply immediately in their lives.

Equally impactful were the expert speaker sessions, which brought seasoned professionals to share knowledge, experiences, and advice. Dr. Alok Krishna introduced students to addiction medicine, discussing the science and humanity behind treating patients with substance use disorders. Dr. Abhishek Rai focused on mental health, addressing common issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout, and emphasizing the importance of emotional resilience in medicine.

Pediatric cardiologist Dr. Hema Bhargava delivered a captivating session on heart anatomy and pediatric conditions, using models and visuals to explain complex concepts. Her warm approach made cardiology both accessible and appealing to students exploring specialties.

Adding a real-world perspective, medical student Achyutha Kodavatikanti shared his journey through undergraduate studies, MCAT preparation, and medical school applications. His candid insights helped demystify the process and inspired students to begin planning early for their medical careers.

A highly anticipated session was led by Venkat Nagam, an expert in college admissions and a graduate of a prestigious BS/MD program. He provided a detailed roadmap to gaining admission into competitive combined undergraduate-medical degree programs, outlining the academic excellence, leadership, and service experiences required for success. His session was eye-opening for many families and helped clarify the steps students should take during high school to become strong applicants.

Throughout the weekend, a central message emerged: medicine is not just a profession, but a calling—requiring intellectual rigor, emotional resilience, and a deep sense of service. Guest doctors and speakers emphasized the value of curiosity, compassion, and perseverance, reminding students that the road to medicine is long but immensely rewarding.

The camp also outlined a clear “Roadmap to Medicine,” emphasizing the importance of volunteer work, academic diligence, research, and internship opportunities. Students left with practical action steps, increased self-awareness, and a clearer vision for their futures.

Feedback from attendees underscored the event’s lasting impact. A middle school student from Sutter Middle School remarked, “This camp really opened my eyes to what the medical field involves. I had no idea there were so many specialties—now I’m thinking seriously about becoming a cardiologist!” A high schooler from Folsom High School added, “The CPR and suturing sessions were my favorite. I’ve never done anything that hands-on before—it was amazing to feel like a real doctor.” Another student from Vista Del Lago shared, “Before this camp, I was unsure about medicine. But now I know this is my path.” One participant from Mira Loma High School was particularly inspired by the BS/MD session: “Learning directly from someone who did it gave me a clear plan. I now know what to focus on each year of high school.”

Behind the scenes, the leadership and coordination required to run such an event were immense. Suvidha International Foundation President Bhaskar Vempati expressed deep gratitude to the lead student organizers—Anoushka, Sriram, and Arjun—for their vision and commitment. He also thanked the participating doctors, guest speakers, and the Art of Living Center for their generous support in making the camp a success. The foundation is thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive response and plans to make the Gateway to Medicine Camp an annual tradition.

Suvidha International Foundation remains committed to nurturing future leaders through its educational programs, both in the United States and India. In India, the foundation supports over 100 underprivileged students—many of them girls—pursuing professional degrees. It also runs empowerment programs for women and community development initiatives such as food distribution and environmental conservation. In the U.S., Suvidha conducts STEM education, public speaking programs, coding camps, and community service activities, while recognizing outstanding youth through the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

Through events like the Gateway to Medicine Camp, Suvidha International Foundation continues to fulfill its mission of inspiring and empowering youth. For the 40 students who attended this summer, the camp was more than just an introduction to healthcare—it was the beginning of a journey toward purpose, leadership, and service in the world of medicine.