Sanskruti Patel

A driven M1 Student and 4th Year BS/MD student at the USC School of Medicine who is passionate about gaining a holistic understanding of scientific principles and humanistic values on the journey to become a pediatric neurosurgeon

• Research Assistant, Arnold School of Public Health – Contributed to a national, NIH-funded study examining medication and treatment access for Medicaid enrollees with substance use disorders and mental health conditions under the mentorship of Dr. Christina Andrews. Analyzed policy and system-level barriers to care affecting vulnerable populations and supported large-scale public health research focused on health equity and access.
• Researcher, Arnold School of Public Health / SC Honors College – Conducted an Honors Thesis analyzing language access policies across all U.S. Medicaid programs to assess how policy drivers contributed to gaps in interpreter services and translated documentation. Identified resulting disparities in care access and health outcomes for patients with limited English proficiency. Successfully defended Thesis and met Honors requirements.
• Poster Presenter, Prisma Health Research Conference – Presented my research, “Addressing Gaps in Access: Examining Language Barrier Accommodations in Medicaid Member Handbooks, 2015-2019,” at a Prisma Health research conference. Communicated findings on policy-driven gaps in interpreter and translation services and their impact on healthcare access and outcomes to a multidisciplinary audience of healthcare professionals and researchers.
• Conference Delegate, National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Conference – Attended the NRHA conference in Washington, DC, representing USC’s Rural Interest Group and the SC Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare. Participated in policy-focused sessions and panels addressing rural health disparities, access to care, and workforce challenges. Engaged in discussions with healthcare leaders and advocates on strategies to improve health equity in rural communities.
• Conference Attendee, Women in Surgery Conference 2026 – Clearwater, FL - Attended educational sessions highlighting advancements in surgical practice, evolving trends within the field, and the growing role of women in surgery. Gained insight into professional development, leadership pathways, and current challenges facing women surgeons.
• Conference Attendee, Student Neurology and Neurosurgery Research Conference – Warren Alpert Medical School Brown University - Attended research sessions highlighting neurosurgical research and student-led projects for a better insight into the field

• Co-Founder and Advisor, MedElem 501(c)(3) Nonprofit & UofSC Student Org - Raised over $14,000 to support young children in our community. Led service projects like refurbishing playrooms for the patients at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital, packaging health and school supplies for homeless children, and donating health supplies/Christmas gifts to foster youth. Served as a volunteer and site lead for volunteering events as well.
• Volunteer, Allies of SisterCare – Advocating for improved healthcare for survivors of domestic abuse. Helped with educational events for M.D. students to learn trauma-informed care and communication for complex health topics. Volunteered at community events and fairs, like Sistercare Saturday and Mayor’s Walk Against Domestic Violence, to support donation and resource-gathering efforts for survivors.
• Volunteer, Medical Students Modernizing Care – Partnered with Harden Street Free Medical Clinic, which serves exclusively uninsured patients. Provide lifestyle-based diabetes education and goal-setting that supports patient self-management. Conduct weekly follow-up calls with an assigned patient to monitor progress, assess barriers to care, and evaluate their self-management. Communicate patient updates and identified challenges to clinical providers to support their care.
• Volunteer, MedConnect – Partnered with undergraduate organizations to mentor students pursuing health-related careers. Provided hands-on teaching in introductory ultrasound and patient interview skills. Participated in panel discussions and Q&A sessions to address questions about medical training and healthcare careers. Supported mentees through interview practice and career guidance to promote confidence for health career pathways.