Show-Me State Times

Attendees at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine White Coat Ceremony observed a unique moment as siblings Aarti and Arjun followed in their parents' footsteps by entering the medical profession. Their brother, Akshut, is pursuing dentistry at Arizona State University. Their parents, Animesh, M.D., and Madhu, M.D., participated in the ceremony by cloaking them in their first white coats.

Aarti and Arjun are among 26% of incoming students who are alumni of SLU, with degrees in public health and neuroscience. They also belong to the 15% who came from SLU’s Medical Scholars Program.

Originally from Kentucky, Aarti and Arjun moved to Sikeston, Missouri during high school. They observed significant health disparities in rural areas compared to urban ones. Aarti noted that it's challenging to see communities lacking necessary care but mentioned her training focuses on addressing these disparities.

The siblings chose SLU for its reputation as a research university tackling global challenges. Both are already contributing positively to their community. Aarti is involved in a research internship with the City of St. Louis Department of Health and created HIVE: The Art of Coming Together, an intervention program addressing HIV education for marginalized groups.

Arjun, as an ASPIRE Research Fellow through Washington University School of Medicine, assisted in a clinical trial on diabetic medication for epileptic adults and collaborated on research regarding stress levels in parents of children with epilepsy.

Regarding future plans after medical school and residency, both remain open-minded but committed to service. "I was drawn to SLU’s commitment to community-driven initiatives," Arjun said.