Navigating the Journey to Medicine
Written By: Sahannah Seemungal and Ihsaan Alam
Every student’s journey to medicine looks a little different. It is filled with both challenges and opportunities, and Nathalia Schettino, a former Village Pulse Newsletter intern writer and now a third-year medical student about to start clinical rotations, can attest to that. Whether you are a premed, already in medical school, or an undergraduate considering a health career, many students worry if they are taking the “right” steps. But the truth is, there is no rulebook for getting into medicine, as it is a unique journey for everyone. Nathalia’s story shows that persistence, initiative, and optimism are key to navigating the path and achieving your goals.
Nathalia recently gave her first international oral presentation at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Spain. She presented a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the association between prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and the development of congenital heart defects in newborns. Together with her research group, she analyzed data from over 14 million mother-infant pairs across multiple high-quality cohort and case-control studies. Their findings revealed a modest but significant association, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy, and highlighted the need for stronger global policies around air quality and prenatal care.
Research has been a consistent part of Nathalia’s journey. She is involved in multiple research groups in Boston and Chicago, each working on their own projects focused on systematic reviews and meta-analyses. However, these research opportunities didn’t just fall into her lap, as she intentionally sought them out through what she calls one of her favorite strategies: cold emailing. Cold emailing, or reaching out directly to someone you don’t know, can be intimidating but also opens doors to current or future opportunities that might not be explicitly advertised. “You never know who will respond if you don’t put yourself out there,” Nathalia says.
Nathalia also advises approaching cold emailing with professionalism and focus to ensure effectiveness. Firstly, dedicate thorough research of the person or group before reaching out to tailor your message because the goal is to set yourself apart from other emailers. Clearly introduce yourself, share why you are interested in their work, and explain how you could contribute. Furthermore, keep your message short and to the point, and attach your resume or CV so they can learn more about your background without being overwhelmed by too much information. Even if one email doesn’t get a reply, don’t take it personally—persistence is key.
Another tip Nathalia emphasizes is the importance of attending and participating in research and academic conferences. She has attended multiple, and each one has provided her with new knowledge, connections, or inspiration. Sometimes it meant meeting people on similar journeys, and other times it led to new opportunities. Conferences, she says, are one of the best ways to network, gain exposure to the research process, and meet people who may play a key role in your future career.
Nathalia has faced both ups and downs during her journey to medicine. She gives credit and values the support from friends and family during the more challenging times. Reflecting on her journey, Nathalia offers advice to students just beginning or currently working though the medical school process: you will never feel completely ready. “Once you start walking the way, things will work. If you wait, you will never get there. Eventually the fear will fade out and the path will reveal itself,” she says. Her story is a reminder that while every path into medicine is different, the courage to take the next step and the persistence to keep going despite uncertainty make all the difference.
References:
Hauss, Kalle. “What are the social and scientific benefits of participating at academic conferences? Insights from a survey among doctoral students and postdocs in Germany.” Research Evaluation rvaa018. 27 Aug. 2020, doi:10.1093/reseval/rvaa018
Schettino, Nathalia. Personal interview. 24 September 2025.
Teachers College, Columbia University. “How to Find a Lab and Cold Emailing Tips: An IRB Perspective.” IRB Blog, 2025, https://www.tc.columbia.edu/irb/blog/2025/how-to-find-a-lab-and-cold-emailing-tips/
