PRESIDENT – Ladan Navari

Hometown: Mashhad, Iran

Why Mentor ME? I met my first mentor as a junior in college. Receiving his support helped me become a much more confident and stronger person. Knowing how profound his impact was on my success, I wanted to give this gift of mentorship and support whenever I could. As a senior, I started connecting to students as a teaching assistant. As a medical student, I became heavily involved in multiple organizations to support passionate students from various age groups on their journey to becoming medical students. I am beyond humbled to serve on the executive board for Mentor ME and hope to help more students achieve their goals!

Fun fact: I used to have a pet turtle named Zebra.

What do you do for fun? Dancing, singing, exploring different restaurants and cafes in the city, and going on long walks.

What’s your best advice for students interested in medicine? Be yourself and follow your passion. Do not be afraid of making mistakes. Making mistakes and learning from them makes you a much more mature and competitive applicant. Ask for help whenever you need some support, and have fun with the process!

VICE PRESIDENT – Lucy Dong

Hometown: Winchester, Massachusetts

Why Mentor ME? I joined Mentor ME because mentorship has been a huge part of my life! I owe so much of my accomplishments to the mentors that have guided me through school, applications, extracurriculars, and more. Knowing how important that has been for me inspires me to support others as they pursue their own goals.

Fun fact: I’ve seen F.R.I.E.N.D.S at least 7 times through

What do you do for fun?  I’ve always played sports growing up, and so I love to exercise or get outdoors in some way. I also took a creative writing class in college which inspired me to write short stories, just for myself (and my professor)!

What’s your best advice for students interested in medicine? Always stay true to yourself! Medicine can often feel like it takes over your life, but never lose sense of your interests and passions outside of school. You have so much to offer 😊

TREASURER – Margaret Jia

Hometown: Hudson, Ohio

Why Mentor ME? I have relied on my mentors from high school through medical school in each step of my education. I believe in the power of utilizing lessons and wisdom from individuals with both shared and diverse experiences to influence my own career path. In medicine (and other fields), there is so much more we can do to facilitate opportunities for mentorship among traditionally underrepresented students. Mentor ME is a meaningful step toward this goal.

Fun Fact: I swear by pineapple on pizza. Haters gonna hate. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

What do you do for fun? Baking, hiking, reality TV, and board games.

What’s your best advice for students interested in medicine? Look for guidance and mentorship everywhere you can. The people around you are your greatest resources. But also trust yourself. The only person who knows you best is you. Make decisions confidently, even if they turn out unexpectedly–you’re going to have to do it for your job one day!

 

 

 

 

FACULTY AND STAFF ADVISORS

Sakima Smith, M.D., M.P.H.

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplantation

Associate Program Director, Cardiovascular Fellowship Training Program

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

 

Reversa Joseph, M.D., M.S.

Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center