National Board

RISHMA JIVAN

Executive Director & Be the Match Coordinator

Hello! I’m Rishma, an M2 at Rush Medical College. I was raised in London, UK and California, and attended University of California, San Diego where I obtained my Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. I spent my gap years working in health tech startups and local clinics, which further fueled my interest in advocating for a more equitable healthcare future for all. My current interest lies in surgery and playing an active role in healthcare leadership. When I am not studying, you’ll find me dancing, reading, or trying new experiences with my friends. I’m thrilled to be part of SAMSA and its mission.

Devi Veerappan

Social Media Chair

Hi everyone! My name is Devi Veerappan and I am an MS2 at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. I grew up in Dallas, Texas and graduated from The University of Texas at Dallas with a B.S. in Biochemistry and Neuroscience. I am currently interested in Anesthesiology, Radiology, Pediatrics, Neurology, and Mentorship. When I’m not studying, you can find me exploring new food places, taking pictures, spending time with my dog, friends, and family, and watching New Amsterdam. I’m looking forward to working with National SAMSA and bringing more awareness and connections within the South Asian community.

MANAAHIL RAO

Executive Director

Hi! My name is Manaahil and I am the Co-Executive Director for SAMSA this year. I am currently an M4 at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and am excited to bring new initiatives to our members! Outside of all things SAMSA and medicine, I am an avid traveler, hiker and sparkling water connoisseur!

Bairavi maheswaran

Webmaster Chair

Hi! My name is Bairavi and I am an OMS-III at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. I am from New York and graduated from St. John’s University in 2018 with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Currently with my medical degree, I am also pursuing my Masters in Medical and Health Care Simulation where I am designing a program to help survivors and victims of domestic violence. One of my passions is Psychiatry and I hope to provide culturally competent care to the South Asian community to break the stigma regarding mental health and for my patients to get the support they need. In my spare time, I volunteer as a tutor for a Sri Lankan Tamil organization as well as teach about the health care issues in the Northern parts of Sri Lanka. My favorite things to do are traveling, reading any Colleen Hoover book, and of course cafe hopping. I am really excited to be a part of this team and hope to be a voice for our community! 

Email: bmaheswa@nyit.edu

Vivek sarma

Newsletter Chair

Hey everyone! I’m Vivek, an MS3 at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. I was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and did my undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago, where I studied Economics and South Asian studies. Before medical school, I had the chance to work as a public health researcher in St. Louis and as a math teacher with the Chicago Public Schools district. Within medicine, I’m passionate about working to reform cultural disparities in health outcomes and access, eliminating mental health stigmatization, and lifestyle medicine. Outside of medicine, I love basketball, movies, dogs (German Shepherds in particular), trivia night, and hanging out with friends and family. I’m very excited to be a part of SAMSA and continue its mission and values.

aayush visaria

Research Committee Co-Chair

Hey! I’m Aayush, a PGY-2 in Internal Medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. I’m passionate about research – after completing an MPH in biostatistics at Rutgers, I did a research year at Weill Cornell during medical school and a postdoctoral research fellowship at Rutgers prior to starting residency. I’ve had the opportunity to teach and work with dozens of students over the past 7 years, many of whom have gone on to co-author several studies. My research interests include cardiovascular disease prevention and epidemiology, racial/ethnic disparities in cardio-metabolic health, and lifestyle medicine. I also run American Preventive Screening and Education Assocation (APSEA, formerly North American Disease Intervention), a non-profit focused on diabetes and hypertension awareness. I’ve been fortunate to be able to work with various South Asian research organizations in the past and hope to help close the large gap in South Asian-representative research in the United States through our SAMSA research initiatives, while also providing students with exciting research opportunities.

Email: aayush.visaria@rutgers.edu

Monica Palande

Mentorship Co-Chair

Hello hello! My name is Monica Palande and I am an OMS-IV at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. I grew up in Canton, MI and then attended the University of Michigan where I pursued a degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Sociology of Health and Medicine. I helped co-found MSUCOM’s chapter of SAMSA and could not be more excited to be able to continue to work with SAMSA on a national level. I am passionate about pediatric health, social disparities and their effect on health, mentorship, and teaching. I am a huge bookworm, but when I’m not reading or listening to audiobooks, you can catch me dancing, doing yoga, or rewatching New Girl!

Email me: palandem@msu.edu

Ramyashree Nyalakonda

Mentorship Co-Chair

Hi! My name is Ramya and I’m an OMS-III at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. I am originally from Cupertino, California and graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (Go Blazers!!) with a Bachelors of Science in Biology. I am passionate about advocating for medical care for lower income communities and populations. I helped start SAMSA at TCOM because providing mentorship for my peers in medicine is important. At TCOM, I am also involved in research as well as being an Ultrasound Teaching Assistant. In my free time, I love to try new coffee shops as well as workout! I’m excited to be a part of National SAMSA to help bridge the gap between South Asian Physicians and medical students around the country!

Email: ramyashreenyalakonda@my.unthsc.edu

nowshin islam

Student Membership Chair

Hello everyone! I am a third year medical student at the CUNY School of Medicine’s seven-year BS/MD program. I graduated from the Bachelor’s portion of the program as a 2022 Valedictorian Candidate. I am the founder and program director of the CUNY School of Medicine’s Opioid Overdose Prevention Program. As the President of CUNY PHR and a member of the national PHR Student Advisory Board, I have also founded the CUNY Human Rights Clinic – the first student-led asylum clinic in the CUNY system. I am motivated to mobilize, empower, and equip medical students and physicians with the skills, knowledge, and opportunity to support South Asian health as well as create unique networking opportunities for South Asian medical students and physicians.

Sravya shankara

Chapter Membership Chair

Hi! My name is Sravya, a current MS4 at UMass Chan Medical School! I have lived in Massachusetts for my whole life, and I am blessed to have grown up with a very strong support system. I studied Biology and Public Health at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA before coming back home to Central Mass for medical school. I am passionate about caring for underserved, vulnerable populations while learning about different cultures and beliefs. Since my childhood, my Indian heritage has always been important to me. I have been a leader of the SAMSA chapter at my medical school, and I am excited to work alongside fellow leaders and meet more members as the Chapter Membership Chair. Other passions of mine include dance, photography, food, exploring new places, and spending time with family and friends.

Pranitha Porthuri

Research Committee Co-Chair

Hi! I’m Pranitha, a current OMS-3 at the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. I was born and raised in New York City and then moved to the Poconos in Pennsylvania. Afterward, I went to the University of Pittsburgh for my bachelor’s in Biology and a MS in Biomedical Sciences. I am interested in neurology and anesthesiology, and am passionate about delivering culturally competent care especially to minority groups with known health disparities. In my free time, I enjoy shopping , traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends. I’m very excited to be on the board and hope we can all grow together as future physicians!

ALISHA Desai

Student Membership Chair

Hi! My name is Alisha Desai, and I am a MS1 at Jefferson in Philadelphia, PA. I am from Potomac, MD, and attended the University of Maryland-College Park for undergrad. I am passionate about service, advocacy, and bringing about positive change. Outside of medicine, I am an avid runner and tennis player. I am super excited to be a part of SAMSA’s board and am looking forward to this year!

Email: alisha.desai@students.jefferson.edu

Akila Nallabelli

Events Co-Chair

Hey! My name is Akila Nallabelli and I am an OMS-II at Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine. I was born and raised in Troy, MI and attended Michigan State University where I pursued a degree in Human Biology with a double minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Bioethics. I am the president of MSUCOM’s chapter of SAMSA and am excited to work with the national SAMSA team this year! I am currently interested in internal medicine, endocrinology, neurology, teaching, and mentorship. Outside of school, I co-founded two nonprofit organizations that involve tutoring services, medical experience, and volunteering. When I am not studying, you can find me dancing, drawing, reading, or spending time with friends and family!

Email: nallabel@msu.edu

MaRIAM Chaudhry

Advocacy Committee Co-Chair

Hello, my name is Mariam Chaudhry and I currently attend Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York. In 2019, I graduated from Rider University with a bachelor’s degree in biological science and went on to pursue my master’s degree in biology. I am interested in gastroenterology and aim to collaborate with the South Asian population in the United States to bring awareness to these health issues. As a member of SAMSA, I am involved with the social media team and the monthly newsletter. I’m excited to raise awareness about health disparities in the South Asian community and promote cultural competence in the healthcare industry. In my spare time, I like to watch Studio Ghibli films, spend time with my friends and family, and come up with hilarious Tik Tok skits that I will never post.

Sai Sahitha Somepalle

Events Co- Chair

Hello! My name is Sahitha Somepalle and I am an MS3 at Albany Medical College. I grew up in Northern California and graduated from University of California, Davis with a B.S. in Microbiology. While I was at UC Davis, I started working at student-run clinics and continued my involvement with these organizations through my gap years. I am passionate about addressing health disparities and working towards reform. I am currently interested in internal medicine, but I am trying to keep an open mind for this year. When I’m not studying or in the clinic, I like spending time with friends and family, hiking, cooking, and traveling.