Yatri Thaker experienced inadequate health care first-hand in small Indian villages,
and then again at an older age in rural areas across the country. Because of these
experiences, the idea of working in the healthcare field began at a young age.
“Good health is a right for every human being and I want to make sure everyone has the opportunity for proper care and education,” Thaker said.
Her name—Yatri—means “a traveler”, and she has been traveling since she was three months old, taking time and opportunities to embrace the diversity of others and becoming a well-cultured person, which she says is especially important in the healthcare field.
Thaker chose to complete her graduate degree at PCOM South Georgia because of its mission to bring more physicians to rural and underserved areas. It also gave her the chance to stay close to her family and hometown of Valdosta, Georgia.
“Being close to my roots gave me the motivation I needed to pursue such a challenging degree,” she said. “The classes offered within the preclinical sciences track were very interesting to me and allowed me to take classes I had never been exposed to in my prior education.”
Ed Shaw, PhD, director of the biomedical sciences program, said, “Yatri has been very persistent and hard-working in the pursuit of her graduate degree. Her dedication to a career in health care here in South Georgia, while also pursuing her graduate work and developing skills towards continuing her education, has been wonderful to observe.”
After receiving her degree, Thaker plans to pursue more healthcare experience to allow for growth in areas that will help her achieve her goal of becoming a physician.
“I aspire to be happy in my career,” she said. “I want to be good enough to help my patients, not only with their medical concerns but also their lifestyles. I want to make sure I always leave a positive impact on any lives I touch.”
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