Medicine beyond the exam room: ATSU-SOMA student Ananya Nigam on access, equity, and whole person healthcare
Posted: September 8, 2026
Ananya Nigam is a student in A.T. Still University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA), set to graduate in 2029. A Milpitas, California native, she earned her bachelor of science in biomedical engineering with a minor in studio art from the University of Arizona. Nigam holds several leadership roles at ATSU, serving as vice president of both the Refugee Health Club and Happiness In Hospice, and as Global Health Committee chair with the Student Government Association, in addition to her work as a student ambassador.
Why did you choose ATSU-SOMA?
“I chose ATSU-SOMA because I wanted to train in an environment that emphasizes whole person healthcare and prepares physicians to understand patients in the context of their lives. I value its focus on service and a collaborative culture that supports learning both inside and outside the classroom.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“What I enjoy most about being an ATSU student is the strong sense of community and the emphasis on learning medicine in a collaborative, patient-centered way. Students are genuinely supportive of one another, and that makes a big difference in a rigorous environment.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“Professionally, I hope to become a physician who provides patient-centered, culturally responsive care and works to improve access and outcomes for diverse populations.
“ATSU-SOMA is helping prepare me through its emphasis on whole-person care, early clinical exposure, and service-focused training. I value being in an environment that prioritizes understanding patients in context and developing physicians who are both clinically strong and community-minded.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations? You are vice president of the Refugee Health Club and Happiness In Hospice, and Global Health Committee chair with the Student Government Association.
“Throughout my clinical experiences, research, and community work through these organizations, I kept seeing how strongly patients’ health is shaped by factors beyond the clinical setting. Language barriers, cultural differences, limited access to care, transportation, socioeconomic challenges, and fragmented healthcare systems all contribute to gaps in access to effective and continuous care. I wanted to better understand those barriers and learn how physicians can help address them. Medicine can only be effective if patients are able to access it, understand it, and trust it.
“Being part of these organizations has taught me that meaningful change in healthcare rarely comes from one individual or one profession. It comes from listening to communities, understanding the systems that influence health, and bringing together people with different perspectives to create solutions that are both compassionate and sustainable.
“Activities have included organizing interdisciplinary panels and simulations, volunteering in community and free clinics, supporting refugee health initiatives, hospice patient engagement through art- and music-based activities, and coordinating global health educational events.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador because I wanted to help future students navigate a system that may be intimidating and difficult in the beginning. I enjoy being a point of connection where I can share an honest perspective and help others feel more informed and supported in their decisions.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Outside of ATSU, I enjoy painting and ceramics, cooking and baking, swimming, and exploring the history and culture of the places I travel to.”