Meet Inspira Advantage’s Med School Admissions Experts

Prior to starting medical school, Dr. Ravikumar spent a gap year working on translational research at Weill Cornell, further solidifying her passion for medicine and research. Her research experience continued to grow during medical school, with several publications and presentations on topics in surgery. After medical school, she started her residency at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.

Dr Ravikumar's commitment to mentoring and teaching is evident in her various roles. She has mentored several pre-med students, including those interested in pursuing the BS/MD programs, and has worked extensively with high school students interested in medicine through her school's Mini-Medical program. Additionally, she served as an academic coach for her peers, providing guidance and support in their academic pursuits.

As a member of the Student Interviewing Committee at NJMS, Dr. Ravikumar gained insider tips for the medical school application process. Her experience in this role, combined with her own journey through the TCNJ/NJMS 7-year BS/MD program, positions her well to guide aspiring medical students through the challenges of medical school admissions.

Dr. Ravikumar's approach to mentoring is characterized by her enthusiasm, empathy, and dedication to helping others achieve their goals. At Inspira, she aims to make the application process as seamless as possible, ensuring that each applicant's strengths are highlighted and that they feel confident in their individualized path to a career in medicine.

Dr. Sarad's academic journey began at UCLA, where she graduated with honors, majoring in physiological sciences and minoring in global studies. She then pursued a Master's in biotechnology at the Keck Graduate Institute, focusing on device/diagnostic development and collaborating with biotech/pharmaceutical companies on projects involving clinical applicability and therapeutic options. She also started a new Global Brigades chapter in her graduate program with medical trips to Honduras.

Dr. Sarad’s passion for medicine led her to New York, where she completed her medical school education at Touro College of Medicine. Dr. Sarad graduated in the top 10% of her class, and her academic excellence was recognized through her membership in the Sigma Sigma Phi National Honors Society. Her success led her to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center’s Surgical Residency Program, a competitive program with only five categorical positions open per year. Throughout her academic career, Dr. Sarad has been heavily involved in research, presenting at national conferences such as the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) and publishing manuscripts. 

Dr. Sarad's dedication to mentorship is evident in her extensive coaching and admissions experience. She reviewed over 500 applications while serving on admissions committees and has mentored many students to achieve their career goals through coursework assistance, test prep, and application guidance. During medical school, Dr. Sarad was a member of MedAchieve, mentoring high school students interested in pursuing medicine through weekly didactics, encouragement of extracurricular activities, and college application review.

With her strong academic background, research experience, and passion for mentorship, Dr. Sarad is well-positioned to guide students through the challenges of medical school and residency applications. Her blend of experience in biotechnology, global health, and surgery provides her with a comprehensive understanding of the medical field, allowing her to offer interdisciplinary guidance to students.