Student Spotlight: Harsimran Kaur

Harsimran Kaur

 Please share your history and background

I was born in India and moved to the U.S. when I was 8 months old. I grew up in Yuba City, CA, near Sacramento. After completing my undergraduate studies at UC Davis, I pursued a master’s degree in medical health sciences at TUC. I am in my second year as a COM student.

Why did you want to attend TUC?

Several of my mentors from UC Davis completed the M.S. program. They encouraged me to attend TUC. The program truly prepared me for medical school, both in terms of the content and the pace. It also gave me the chance to become familiar with the campus and meet the faculty.

Why do you want to pursue a career in healthcare?

I was surrounded by many people interested in healthcare, and I had the opportunity to participate in a medical brigade trip sponsored by Global Medical Training (GMT) to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. I loved the experience. It was clear that patients needed advanced medical care, which inspired me to pursue medical school. I hope to volunteer again with GMT as a physician and this time use Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment.

Please share your campus activities and clubs

I serve as the SGA VP for Online Content, where I contribute to social media projects like "Day in the Life" of students at our campus. I am also the co-chief of Project Happy, where I work with families in the Vallejo community to promote health awareness. I am president of the Bhagat Puran Singh Health Initiative (BPSHI), a nonprofit clinic inspired by a Sikh elder named Bhagat Puran Singh who provided healthcare to those in need, particularly those with disabilities. I am also a delegate with SOMA (Student Osteopathic Medical Association) and AMA (American Medical Association) Touro University’s two biggest policy clubs where I learned to write resolutions/proclamations. 

Presenting a proclamation to the Vallejo City Council

I volunteered at the MOSAIC Gala where I met the vice mayor and mayor of Suisun City and Riverbank. They introduced me to Vallejo council member Diosdado JR Matulac. This connection helped me send a proclamation to the Vallejo City Council proclaiming November as Sikh Heritage Month. My parents brought Sikh community members to the city council meeting to stand by my side as I accepted the proclamation from the city council. I collaborated with my parents to bring Sikh community members to the city council meeting. It was an incredible opportunity to serve and recognize Vallejo’s Sikh Community. 

What are your future goals?

My goal is to become a pediatrician. I also have a passion for writing and would love to write a children's book. Serving my community is important to me. I look forward to continuing to water the seeds my parents planted in the community whether it be with the Sikh community center, Sunday school, or teaching Bhangra and Giddha (a Punjabi traditional folk dance).