The Sikh Medical Initiative (SMI) launched its Match Magnet series with a high-impact session focused on VSLO applications, away rotations, and sub-internships—key milestones in every medical student’s journey to residency.

Current residents from both medical and surgical specialties shared first-hand advice on how to stand out on fourth-year rotations, build meaningful relationships with mentors, and make the most of each learning opportunity. The discussion covered practical strategies for approaching rotations, navigating the logistics of VSLO, and showcasing one’s strengths in high-stakes clinical environments.

This session embodied SMI’s commitment to mentorship and representation, helping Sikh medical students prepare not only to match successfully but to do so with confidence, authenticity, and excellence. The Match Magnet series continues to serve as a bridge between current trainees and the next generation of Sikh physicians ready to make their mark in medicine.

In partnership with SANYC, Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), and the Richmond Hill Gurdwara, the Sikh Medical Initiative (SMI) hosted one of our largest community health events to date—bringing together over 100 patients and 30 volunteers for a day of service, education, and connection.

Attendees received free point-of-care glucose, cholesterol, and A1C tests, along with blood pressure screenings, dental checks, and individualized counseling on diabetes, hypertension, and mental health. The event united physicians, students, and healthcare workers under one roof with a shared goal: improving health literacy and empowering our community to take charge of their well-being.

Moments like these show what SMI stands for—collaboration, seva, and representation in action. We’re deeply grateful to our partners and volunteers whose passion and commitment continue to strengthen our collective impact across the East Coast.

In partnership with the Punjabi Women’s Network, the Sikh Medical Initiative (SMI) hosted its first-ever storytelling evening — “Sikh Women in Healthcare: Stories of Resilience.” This event brought together Sikh women across healthcare disciplines and medical specialties from both the United States and Canada to share powerful narratives rooted in resilience, sangat (community), and Sikh values.

Each speaker shared deeply personal vignettes reflecting on their journeys through medicine—the challenges they faced, the barriers they broke, and the strength they found in community. From navigating underrepresentation to balancing faith, identity, and leadership, their stories illuminated what it means to serve with compassion and purpose.

This storytelling night was more than an event—it was a celebration of solidarity, empowerment, and the shared spirit of seva. Through spaces like this, SMI continues to amplify Sikh voices in medicine, creating opportunities for reflection, connection, and collective growth.

The Sikh Medical Initiative (SMI) partnered with the International College of Dentists for a powerful day of community service at the Sikh Cultural Society of Richmond Hill. Together with pediatric residents, international dentists, and student volunteers, we provided free dental screenings, fluoride varnishes, and oral health education to members of the sangat.

This event marked an important milestone for SMI’s community health outreach pillar, directly addressing oral healthcare disparities that disproportionately affect immigrant and underserved communities. For many families, this was their first dental screening—underscoring the critical need for accessible, culturally informed oral health education within the Punjabi Sikh community.

Beyond clinical care, the event fostered dialogue about prevention, trust, and the role of faith spaces in promoting wellness. It exemplified the power of seva in medicine—bringing healthcare to where it’s needed most and empowering individuals with the tools to care for themselves and their families.

SMI extends a heartfelt thank you to all volunteers, doctors, and partners who made this possible. Together, we’re building a foundation for long-term oral health literacy and equitable access to care—one gurdwara at a time.

The Sikh Medical Initiative (SMI) hosted another impactful session in its Sikhs in Specialties series—“Mental Health Career Paths.” This virtual event brought together Sikh professionals across diverse fields in behavioral health, including psychiatry, psychotherapy, and mental health nursing, to discuss their journeys and share advice for those exploring careers in this vital area of medicine.

Panelists spoke candidly about their experiences addressing mental health within both clinical and community contexts, offering valuable insight into the challenges and rewards of working in a field that remains stigmatized in many South Asian communities. The discussion emphasized the importance of culturally competent care, community engagement, and representation in promoting mental wellness.

The Sikh Medical Initiative (SMI) continued its Sikhs in Specialties series with “Path to Cardiology,” a virtual event featuring incoming cardiology fellows who shared their journeys into one of medicine’s most dynamic and demanding fields.

Panelists discussed their motivations for pursuing cardiology, the challenges and triumphs of residency and fellowship applications, and the unique perspectives they bring as Sikh physicians in academic medicine. Their insights offered pre-med and medical students a realistic and motivating look at what it takes to enter competitive specialties while staying grounded in community and service.

The Sikh Medical Initiative (SMI) hosted its first virtual Sikh Medical Student Panel, bringing together Sikh medical students from across the country to guide and inspire pre-med students on their journey to medicine.

Panelists shared honest reflections on their paths to medical school—discussing academic challenges, finding mentorship, balancing identity, and navigating spaces where representation is often limited. Through open dialogue and shared experience, students received practical advice on applications, interviews, and staying grounded in their values throughout training. The event reaffirmed one of SMI’s core missions: creating community through mentorship. By connecting Sikh pre-meds with mentors who have walked similar paths, SMI continues to build the infrastructure for lasting representation and support in medicine.