Student Spotlight: Nityam Rathi

Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. For my undergraduate education, I attended the University of Pittsburgh, where I studied biology and economics. I then came to CCLCM in 2020. Right now, I’m in my fifth and final year of medical school with plans to pursue a urology residency after graduation.

What made you choose medicine as a career path?

I chose medicine for the opportunities it presents to help people in some of their most vulnerable moments. Whether a patient needs a major medical or surgical intervention or is simply seeking a better understanding of their health, I want to be there for them in a way that’s compassionate and evidence-based. Urology presents a nice balance of medicine and surgery, with great opportunities to apply technologies to improve patient outcomes, so I am really looking forward to residency and beyond.

What are some of your favorite memories so far from your time at CCLCM?

Some of my favorite memories from early on in my time at CCLCM took place during problem-based learning sessions. I really enjoyed working in groups to analyze complex patient-based scenarios and synthesize treatment plans. Another fond memory of mine is third year, when I got to apply what I learned in the first two years of classes to a practical clinical setting. Most of all, though, I’ve loved all the fun times I’ve had with classmates throughout my medical school journey. From going skydiving after our white coat ceremony to cheering on the Cavaliers, it’s those moments with friends that I’ll miss the most when I graduate.

Tell us about your research year project.

I did my research year at the National Institutes of Health through the Medical Research Scholars Program. I worked with Dr. W. Marston Linehan, acting chief of the NIH’s Surgical Oncology Program. My project explored the evolution of renal tumors in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease, a hereditary renal cancer syndrome. We applied genomics and radiomic techniques to analyze MRI scans and track how these tumors develop and progress. We were able to characterize a rare phenotype of clonal renal metastases, which recurred at different sites within the same kidney (or even the opposite kidney). Interestingly, these tumors evolved from an index lesion that was previously excised and ultimately presented at advanced stages with fast-growth kinetics and a propensity to metastasize. We identified genomic alterations associated with this phenotype and analyzed their prognostic value in predicting adverse patient outcomes.

As a fifth-year, what advice do you have for new medical students?

Take things one step at a time. It’s so easy to get caught up and worry about board exams or clerkships as an MS1 or MS2, but doing so detracts from enjoying the experience. There is no real rush to have everything figured out or to jump into research opportunities. When you start to feel that way, take a deep breath and set milestones for what’s coming up in the next few months. For example, at the beginning of preclinical block or a clinical rotation, set two or three goals for yourself and try to develop a plan for achieving them. Creating practical, short-term goals is a great way to grow without burning out.

Fun fact about yourself?

A new hobby that I picked up during medical school is performing Bhangra, a traditional Punjabi folk dance. I started doing it during my time here for Doc Opera, and it has become one of my favorite ways to stay in touch with my creative side. During my first three years of medical school, I would get together weekly with other CCLCM and Case students to practice. While I’ve been busy lately with clinical rounds and research, I still dance whenever I can.