A Journey Shaped by Curiosity: Meet Dr. Palia

Image description: Dr. Palia featured as RotationSync’s August student spotlight.

Every physician's journey is unique, and for many international medical graduates, that journey spans not only continents but also cultures, healthcare systems, and countless moments of growth.

In this edition of Student Spotlight, we're pleased to introduce a future Internal Medicine physician whose path has taken her from India to France and, most recently, to the United States. Along the way, she has embraced every opportunity to learn, challenge herself, and deepen her understanding of patient care.

Her story is a reminder that becoming an exceptional physician isn't defined by where you begin, but by the curiosity, resilience, and compassion you bring to every step of the journey.

Our next student spotlight features Dr. Palia! 

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, and what inspired you to pursue medicine?

“I am an international medical graduate from India. Growing up in a Sikh family, I spent time volunteering at my local gurdwara, where I watched volunteers care for people with compassion and dignity, regardless of their background. Those experiences taught me that medicine is about serving people during their most vulnerable moments. Combined with my fascination for science and problem-solving, they inspired me to pursue medicine. Since then, training in India, France, and the United States has broadened my perspective and reinforced my commitment to becoming a physician who combines clinical excellence with compassionate care.”

What specialty are you hoping to match into, and what draws you to it?

“I'm applying to Internal Medicine because I enjoy solving complex clinical problems and caring for patients with a wide range of conditions. I like that every day presents a new diagnostic challenge while also allowing physicians to build meaningful relationships with patients over time. The diversity of the specialty and its strong foundation in evidence-based medicine make it an exciting field to me, and I hope to pursue a fellowship in Cardiology, where I can continue to challenge myself while making a meaningful impact on patients' lives.”

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as an international medical graduate so far?

“The most rewarding part has been learning how to adapt to different healthcare systems and cultures while discovering that the core principles of good medicine remain the same. Training across three countries has strengthened my communication skills, broadened my clinical perspective, and taught me to approach unfamiliar situations with confidence and curiosity.”

What made you choose RotationSync for your U.S. clinical experience?

“I was looking for a rotation that offered active learning, close physician mentorship, and meaningful exposure to the U.S. healthcare system. My rotation with Dr. Adam Karmali at Methodist Richardson Medical Center provided exactly that. I was able to participate in inpatient rounds, discuss patient management, present clinical topics, and gain firsthand insight into how Internal Medicine is practiced in a collaborative, evidence-based environment.”

What were your first impressions when you started your rotation?

“What stood out to me most was the level of collaboration. Every management decision involved thoughtful discussions between physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and case managers, with each team member contributing their expertise. It reinforced how high-quality patient care depends not only on medical knowledge but also on effective communication and teamwork.”

Was there a clinical experience that had a lasting impact on you?

“One of the most memorable experiences during my rotation was caring for a patient with Moyamoya disease who had suffered five prior strokes despite having no Asian ancestry, making it an especially rare and thought-provoking case. Following the patient's clinical course and discussing the diagnostic workup with Dr. Karmali reinforced the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis and integrating clinical findings with imaging. The experience sparked a deeper interest in this rare condition, and I am currently working on a case report based on this patient. It strengthened my appreciation for clinical reasoning and reminded me that some of the greatest learning opportunities come from the rare cases that challenge conventional thinking.”

What is one lesson you'll carry with you into residency?

“One lesson I'll carry with me is to stay curious. Medicine is constantly evolving, and every patient encounter is an opportunity to learn something new. I've realized that asking thoughtful questions, seeking feedback, and reflecting on each experience are just as important as acquiring medical knowledge.”

What advice would you give another IMG preparing for their first U.S. clinical rotation?

“Come prepared, be proactive, and make the most of every opportunity. Read about your patients before rounds, volunteer to present cases, ask questions, and don't be afraid to seek feedback. Your enthusiasm and willingness to learn will leave a much stronger impression than trying to have all the answers.”

What are you most excited about as you continue your journey toward residency?

“I'm excited to take the next step toward residency and continue growing as a physician. I'm looking forward to caring for increasingly complex patients, contributing to clinical research, learning from inspiring mentors, and building the skills that will prepare me for a future career in Cardiology.”