Dr. Lekha C.

Before attending Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Chesnick graduated from the University of Arizona with dual degrees in physiology and molecular and cellular biology, along with minors in Spanish and biochemistry. During her undergraduate years, she was named to the Dean's List and worked as a medical scribe and tutor, gaining early exposure to clinical medicine and mentorship. These experiences, combined with her fluency in Spanish, laid the foundation for her commitment to serving diverse and underserved patient populations.

At Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Chesnick served as Student Body President and was elected Class Representative throughout medical school. She earned membership in both Sigma Sigma Phi, the national osteopathic honor society, and the Gold Humanism Honor Society, recognizing her commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. She matched into her first-choice residency program at HCA HealthONE Aurora, where she was recognized with the Intern of the Year Award. She now serves as Chief Resident of her program. 

Dr. Chesnick has seven years of admissions committee experience, serving as an admissions committee and interviewer at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine and HCA HealthONE Aurora. Throughout her numerous leadership roles, she has mentored many students through the application process, and is equipped to help students stand out in interviews and rotations. Students she has coached have earned acceptances to the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, among others.

After finishing her residency, Dr. Chesnick plans to complete a family medicine obstetrics fellowship. Her clinical work focuses on caring for underserved communities, including unhoused populations, undocumented patients, and global health initiatives. Dr. Chesnick is passionate about bridging the physician gap for patients in underserved communities and plans to practice on the Navajo Nation following residency.

Dr. Chesnick is committed to helping students find their "why" in medicine, encouraging a humanitarian approach to healthcare where empathy is seen as a strength, and patient advocacy is a priority. Her approach is empathetic and empowering, and she hopes to impart communication tips, life-skills, efficiency and organizational skills to help students seamlessly excel in the application process. Dr. Chesnick emphasizes the importance of whole-person wellness throughout the application journey. She has multiple hobbies and continues to travel, explore, and learn about the world. She is dedicated to integrating this approach into her counseling style and helping students "stay safe and sane" despite the demands that each step of medical training brings.

Dr. Chesnick’s passion for mentorship reflects the wisdom she has inherited from physicians, midwives, and community leaders who supported her journey throughout school and training. Dr. Chesnick attributes her success to the community she has built, and strongly believes in the value of individualized mentorship throughout medical training. Dr. Chesnick aims to help students highlight their strengths, encourage a growth mindset, and wholeheartedly support applicants to build a sense of both professional and life balance. She is excited to be a part of your journey and grateful to be the type of mentor she was so fortunate to have throughout her life!