Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah George
Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a second-year medical student who is in a combined 6-year B.A./M.D. program, life has been accelerated the second I have entered college because I not only accepted an undegraduate degree program acceptance but also accepted the fact that I will enter into medical school 2 years after my undergraduate training. After my three years of doing preclinicals, I started doing docent – a clinical experience completely unique to the University of Missouri Kansas School of Medicine (UMKC SOM) program where we are able to see patients every week with the same internal medicine physician for the entirety of medical school. After caring for Dr. Bindiya Marrakath’s (my docent) patients, I found a unparalleled drive and passion for women’s health. Slowly, I started found myself connecting with her female patients and loving the pathophysiology of the female anatomy.
I wanted to serve my community in a capacity that transcended just medicine because that was already my career that I dedicated every waking moment towards. I wanted to make an impact in women’s healthcare through fellowship and interpersonal communication because I value conversations, connecting with people, and fellowship with people in Kansas City. So, I started a club at UMKC SOM called Days for Girls, which is a non-profit organization aimed to increase menstrual health equity by assembling period kit care packages with reusable menstrual hygeine products for women internationally. After starting this and engaging with the older women at the Shawnee Mission collection point, I confirmed that I loved sisterhood – it transcends age, race, or culture.
After serving as Miss Saint Louis Outstanding Teen back in 2019, I didn’t know if I would ever have time to enter the Miss America Organization given the rigors of medical school. But, if this year has proven to be anything, it is that if you make enough time for hobbies or service that you are truly passionate about, it is not a task or an assignment. You will allocate time for something that fuels you. So, in August of this year, I decided to compete in my first-ever Miss America pageant in the Miss Division at the Miss Zona Rosa Scholarship Organization in Kansas City, Missouri in midst of my internal medicine rotation.
As a second-generation immigrant and South Asian, I have always been a advocate for representation in any field – whether it be STEM or pageants. Serving as the UMKC SOM representative for the Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council, I have found my love for amplifying silenced voices through advocacy. Thus, me entering into the pageant world – I realize now- represents a larger message: no particular race, culture, and degree are mutually exclusive with beauty, intelligence, and wit. I am a large advocate for more South Asians and medical students to enter into the Miss America Organization.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being in a 6-year BA/MD program is an incredible opportunity, but it often comes with a unique set of challenges that can contribute to feelings of imposter syndrome. Throughout this journey, I have faced moments of self-doubt, questioning my abilities and whether I truly belong in such a demanding environment. The program sets exceptionally high academic standards, and I often found myself feeling overwhelmed by the workload. The pressure to excel can make me doubt my competence, especially when comparing myself to peers who seem to navigate challenges with ease.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a health sciences librarian at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, I have the unique opportunity to blend my passion for medicine with my skills in research and information management. My role involves assisting students, faculty, and medical professionals in navigating complex medical literature, accessing vital resources, and conducting research.
My work as a librarian sets me apart from others in my medical program. Not only do I have access to a wealth of knowledge, but I also bring a unique perspective on the importance of research and lifelong learning. Balancing my responsibilities as a librarian while pursuing my medical degree has taught me the value of responsibility and financial management. Earning money while studying not only supports my education but also instills a sense of discipline and purpose in my life.
What are your plans for the future?
As I look ahead, I am filled with excitement and determination for the journey that lies before me. My immediate goal is to successfully complete my board examinations, a significant milestone that will pave the way for my future in medicine. I am committed to deepening my medical knowledge and clinical skills, ensuring that I am well-prepared to serve my future patients with compassion and expertise.
In addition to my medical career, I am eagerly preparing to compete for Miss Missouri. This competition represents not just a title for me, but an opportunity to elevate my advocacy work to a broader audience. My platform, “Menstrual Health Equity for Every Cycle. Period.,” is something I am incredibly passionate about. I believe that menstrual health is a vital aspect of women’s health that deserves greater awareness and resources. Through my participation, I aim to bring this important issue to both state and national levels, sparking conversations and initiatives that promote equity and access for all individuals facing menstrual health challenges. My passion for women’s health has truly opened my eyes to the harsh realities of period poverty. I’ve come to understand how millions of women, both in the U.S. and around the world, face significant barriers to accessing basic menstrual products and healthcare. It’s not just about affordability; it’s also about the stigma and lack of education surrounding menstruation that further marginalizes these women. This is why I am so passionate about menstrual health equity—it’s not just a women’s health issue, but a social justice issue.
What I love about the Miss America Organization is that it has given me a platform to advocate for these underserved women. Through my involvement, I have been able to bring attention to the struggles they face and work towards solutions that ensure every woman, regardless of her background, has access to the resources she needs for a healthy, dignified cycle. This opportunity to combine my passion for women’s health with meaningful advocacy has been incredibly rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daysforgirls.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misskansascityinternational/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarahgeorge5878
