Shungu Zimbwa

Education: Rice University 
MD Mentor: Dr. Steve Bradley
Staff Mentor: Alexa Hunsinger
Project: ATTR Amyloid testing and prevalence among patients with high-risk features

How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?

I heard about it from a family friend and then researched more about it. I wanted to join an internship diverse in what it provides. Allowing a recent grad intense research opportunity with possibility to publish, potential to see an open heart surgery, and access to many physicians, sponsors and donors for networking are the reasons I applied.

What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?

My first research experience at the Texas Medical Center with the largest Cancer Research Organization in MD Anderson sparked my interest in research. My own experiences as a patient experiencing depression and anxiety drew me to medicine and my father's work in cardiology has always piqued my interest in that subject.

What is your desired career in medicine?

My desired career in medicine is in neurology.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I am most looking forward to refining my research skills, pushing for a publication, and networking with physicians to get a better sense of my future career goals!

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to learn more about what it means being a physician who conducts research to learn more about my career goals and to improve my network.

What are your plans after the summer?

I plan to conduct research for the NIH as a post-bacc researcher in January. I am studying for my MCAT and recertifying as an EMT in the space between January and the End of this internship.

What is a fun fact about you?

I have a twin! He is actually a part of this cohort which I am grateful for.