Name: Dhruvi Banerjee
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Undergrad: Georgetown University, College of Arts & Sciences
What brought you to Georgetown? I am incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to continue my education at the same institution where I completed undergraduate studies. I was able to truly engage with Georgetown’s ethos of Cura Personalis, especially through my major, Anthropology, during undergrad and am lucky to continue doing so in my medical education. I see how at Georgetown, people’s stories and social circumstances are understood with the same emphasis as the rigorous scientific inquiry practiced to understand their biological mechanisms of disease. I consistently recognize the care and compassion providers approach their patients with, and appreciate the amazing role models I have been so fortunate to work with and aspire to one day emulate. Remaining at an institution that not only champions these ideals but dutifully practices them is immensely important to me, and I can’t wait to continue my education and work here.
What are your post-med school career or specialty goals?: I am still undecided on what exactly my specialty goals are. Currently, I hope to incorporate further experiences within medical anthropology and potentially pursue a career in Critical Care medicine.
What are you working on as a BellRinger Fellow this summer?: I am working with Dr. Edina Komlodi-Pasztor on a study that tracks patients treated with a new drug, Voranigo, over time to evaluate how well the treatment works and what the patients’ personal experiences are like. This study gathers information in three main ways: reviewing old medical records to check safety for past patients, tracking current patients’ real-time lab results and tumor progress, and conducting open-ended interviews to learn how patients feel the treatment affects their daily lives.
Recently approved in August 2024, vorasidenib (Voranigo) became the first brand-new type of medication approved to treat primary brain tumors in almost 20 years. It is specifically designed for patients with a certain gene mutation (IDH) who have already had surgery to remove as much of their brain tumor as possible. National guidelines now officially recommend vorasidenib as part of the primary, standard medical care for patients with IDH-mutated brain tumors ranging from stage 2 to stage 4.
Why are you passionate about cancer research?: I have had the honor of working with many patients with chronic illnesses during undergrad, specifically patients with ALS. I truly enjoyed my experiences and it really changed my perspective entering the field of medicine. I now have the opportunity to work with patients with brain cancer and learn more about their life experiences. The field of oncology is unique to how clinicians truly work with their patients to live well with chronic illness and I see how important and meaningful the connection and relationship between physician and patient is. Like many, cancer has affected my family and the opportunity to contribute to the field is something I am passionate about.
Have you previously been involved in BellRinger?: Yes! Previously, I have volunteered as a SAG Driver, assisting Riders on the route. I’ve also staffed the event as an EMT with Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Services (GERMS). I have loved my experiences volunteering for the event and now being a research fellow has been so exciting and meaningful.
How do you plan to be involved in BellRinger this year?: I’m planning to help out as a medical volunteer!
Anything else you’d like to share with the BellRinger community?: I am grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to continue forward with this work alongside this community.
