Bhavya Bansal, of Tampa, Florida, knew she wanted to complete her pre-med undergraduate degree in Cleveland—surrounded by four major hospitals—but didn’t realize just how much CWRU would shape her beyond academics.
In one of her bioethics classes with Elieen Anderson, Bansal read about Johanna Shapiro’s call for an epistemological shift in medical training that embraces imperfection, vulnerability, and human difference. This inspired her to build a major where the curriculum would fully integrate the biological and social sciences into a single, cohesive field of study.
Now just two years after starting at CWRU, Bansal is set to graduate in May. She is hopeful her major—which integrates biology, anthropology, bioethics and AI technology—will set her up with the scientific foundation and ethical reasoning necessary to navigate the challenges of modern medicine. Following college, she plans to pursue medical school and specialize as a surgeon, while also engaging in research and global medical volunteering.
In addition to being an executive officer in the Undergraduate Student Government and part of the University Program Board’s promo committee, Bansal works in a biomanufacturing and microfluidics lab, which has provided her with the opportunity to conduct hands-on biomedical engineering research, present at conferences, and conduct interdisciplinary work with sickle cell disease. She also has served on the planning committee for a Women in Surgery conference, is a Center for Civic Engagement and Learning Scholar, and is a social media ambassador for CWRU.
Learn more about Bansal’s custom major and other experiences as a student at CWRU.
Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
1.) Why did you choose CWRU?
I chose CWRU because I knew it would open doors for me as a pre-med student. The accessibility to hands-on experiences in medicine is something truly special here, and it has reinforced my passion for the field in ways I never expected.
But what has truly made CWRU one of the best decisions I’ve ever made is the people. The students here are some of the most genuine, uplifting and wildly unique individuals I’ve ever met. There’s a shared energy here—a desire to uplift one another, to celebrate each other’s wins, to push each other to be better without tearing anyone down. It’s inspiring. It’s refreshing.
This sense of collaboration over competition has made me feel supported all through my time here, whether in academics, leadership, or just everyday life. My perspective has broadened so much during my time here, learning and growing alongside everyone, and I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a community that values both excellence and kindness.
2.) What led to your decision to create your own major, and what do you hope to do with your new degree?
Medicine, in my opinion, is not practiced in a vacuum—every diagnosis, treatment, and breakthrough exists within a broader societal framework that shapes access, interpretation, and ethical implications. Yet, traditional undergraduate pre-medical education often focuses solely on the hard sciences, overlooking the complex interplay between biology and the social determinants of health.
Through this major, I aim to redefine what it means to be a pre-med student—not just a future doctor mastering biological mechanisms, but a well-rounded problem solver, researcher, and leader capable of critically analyzing the broader implications of medical advancements.
3.) Are you involved on campus in any other ways, including volunteer work and student organizations?
Over the past two years at CWRU, I’ve thrown myself into a little bit of everything—research, leadership, outreach and even social media. Being chief marketing officer for the Case Cancer Initiative, a new club on campus, has let me connect science with community impact, helping spread awareness and organize events that bring people together for a cause our officer team is very passionate about.
Outside of campus, I’ve had the opportunity to intern at a hematology/oncology clinic, gaining first-hand exposure to patient care and clinical decision-making. Additionally, my involvement in remote hepatobiliary robotic research and clinic hernia research has expanded my understanding of surgical innovation and the intersection of research with clinical practice.
Serving as president of the Student Community Outreach Society has been especially meaningful, letting me work directly with President Kaler’s Office, admin, and the Linsalata Alumni Center in an effort to bridge the gap between students, alumni, and administration. Outside of that, I’m part of Kappa Alpha Theta, where I’ve gotten to meet some of the most amazing people in Greek life.
4.) Do you have any other hobbies?
Outside of academics and research, I love anything that gets me moving and pushes my limits—whether it’s swimming, jet skiing, skydiving or hang gliding, I’m always up for an adventure. One of my more unexpected hobbies is being a scare actor, which is hands down one of the most fun and chaotic things I do.
I also enjoy posting content on TikTok, finding new ways to be creative, sharing my insight as college pre-med and connecting with people online.