Finding Community, Mentorship, and Opportunity Through SMI
This article is written by Jiwan Kaur Tib, Director of National Chapters at the Sikh Medical Initiative (SMI) and a University of Washington undergraduate currently applying to medical school. Here, she reflects on finding community, mentorship, research, and leadership opportunities through SMI, and how these experiences have shaped her journey toward medicine. To connect with Jiwan and learn more about her work with SMI, follow her on Instagram at @jjiwankaurr.
Aug 11, 2026
FINDING COMMUNITY THROUGH SMI
Looking back, I wish I had found SMI earlier in my undergraduate journey. I first learned about the organization through Prabh, SMI’s President, whom I met through a research project. While I was learning under his mentorship, he would often share what SMI was working on and the many opportunities available to students.
Once I became a member, I quickly realized how special it was to be part of such an uplifting and supportive community. Finding people you can turn to while navigating the journey to medicine can be difficult. With SMI, I have never hesitated to ask for help, and I have never felt like I was missing out on opportunities. In fact, SMI helped me fill important gaps in my medical school application, particularly through research and mentorship.
GROWING THROUGH RESEARCH, SEVA, AND LEADERSHIP
I had the opportunity to connect with even more SMI members at NASMDA 2026, which left me feeling empowered and encouraged as I took the next steps toward my career. Through SMI, I have participated in unique research on topics that genuinely interest me, including investigating how Sikhs are represented in medical literature.
I have also had the opportunity to serve as a Clinic Lead for the 2026 SevaCare Cohort. Opportunities like these, created specifically for Sikh students, have allowed me to develop new skills, serve my community, and take on leadership roles that I might not otherwise have found.
BUILDING COMMUNITY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
As I became more involved with SMI, I had the opportunity to serve as Director of National Chapters. This role has been incredibly rewarding because it has allowed me to help build something for other young Sikhs. Working with chapters in cities across the United States and Canada has given me the opportunity to create the same sense of community and belonging for other students that SMI created for me.
SMI has so much ahead of it, but what makes the organization special is its people. Everyone genuinely wants to see one another succeed. It has been just over a year since I joined, and in that time I have grown tremendously, made lasting friendships, and connected with mentors who have helped shape my journey. I am grateful to be part of this community and cannot wait to see where SMI goes next.
