Stephanie Melby

Education: The George Washington University
MD Mentor: Dr. Jay Sengupta
Staff Mentors: Kero Abdelsayed/ Dawn Witt
Project: Exploring The DSP Dilemma: Desmoplakin vs. Non-Desmoplakin Cardiomyopathy

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

I heard about the MHIF internship from a family member and was inspired by the unique combination of clinical research, physician shadowing, and engagement with a medical team. I knew this internship would give me an invaluable perspective into the field of cardiology, and I was eager to be a part of it!

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

My interest in cardiology was sparked through a volunteer opportunity providing blood-pressure screenings outside a local food bank. Every week, I saw firsthand how food insecurity, restrictive city infrastructure, and chronic stress negatively impacted the heart health of populations. This opportunity inspired me to get more involved in medical research as a way to better understand disease and explore what is required to make healthcare accessible to all populations. 

What is your desired career in medicine?

I am open to exploring all specialties! I hope to pursue a career that emphasizes both patient contact and clinical research.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I am most looking forward to making meaningful connections by working with an esteemed team of healthcare professionals. Through this experience, I hope to build long-lasting relationships with my fellow interns and learn from diverse perspectives within the field of medicine.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to gain a unique perspective of the medical field through the invaluable opportunities of working with a physician mentor and clinical shadowing. I hope this experience will provide me with a deeper understanding of medicine, which will help me provide stronger and more personalized care as a future physician.

What are your plans after the summer?

After this summer, I plan to complete my senior year at George Washington University with an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences and a minor in Chemistry. During this time, I will be studying for the MCAT and continuing research on structural biology at the NIH in the Buchanan Lab.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love to hike, run, and play tennis!