June Student of the Month: Pia Garewal, OMS IV

ACOI recognizes osteopathic medical students who are outstanding members of their medical schools and communities with the Student of the Month Recognition Program.

Please join us in congratulating the June winner: Pia Garewal, OMS IV, Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine - California.

Student Doctor Garewal was nominated because of her outstanding research, leadership, and dedication to the osteopathic community.

Pia conducted a six-month study on vegetarian diets and their potential to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. This collaborative research with two fellow TUC-COM students was presented at TUC's annual Research Day and will be published in the upcoming summer issue of the Osteopathic Family Physician Journal, demonstrating her commitment to advancing medical knowledge and contributing valuable insights to the field.

During her preclinical years at Touro, Pia showcased exceptional leadership by reinstating the Pathology Club and serving as president of the Internal Medicine Club. As Vice President of the Integrative Medicine Club, she played a crucial role in organizing TUC's annual Integrative Medicine Symposium, an event where physicians gathered for CME credits and osteopathic leaders shared their expertise.

Pia's dedication to underserved communities is evident in her role as Treasurer of the Global Underserved Medicine Club, where she helped raise funds for medical equipment in underserved hospitals. Additionally, as the Internal Affairs Officer for the American Medical Women's Association and Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California, she has actively contributed to advancing the roles of women and osteopathic physicians in the medical field.

Her involvement extends to several other organizations, including the Emergency Medicine Interest Group, Bhagat Puran Singh Health Initiative, Student-Run Free Clinic, and Vaccination Clinics. Pia has also pursued electives in the Art of Observation and Fundamentals of Global Health, enriching her medical education with diverse perspectives.

Outside of academics, Pia volunteered at the KP Vallejo Emergency Department, assisting staff and patients with routine tasks and providing comfort to anxious patients. She also contributed to the DO or DO not Podcast, recording introductions and editing video clips, thereby promoting osteopathic medicine to a wider audience. Her commitment to mentoring is evident in her work with Prescribe It Forward, where she provided free mentorship to pre-medical students, guiding them through the challenges of pursuing a medical career.

Pia's clinical rotations in endocrinology and cardiology were marked by high praise and honors, reflecting her competence and dedication to patient care. She looks forward to completing her clinical rotations and pursuing a career in internal medicine, where her passion for osteopathic principles and patient-centered care will undoubtedly shine.

Meet Pia Garewal

What is your hometown?
Granite Bay, CA

What is your education?
I completed high school in Granite Bay before earning my Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at San Diego State University. I then pursued a Master’s in Medical Health Sciences at Touro University California in Vallejo, where I am also completing my medical degree.

What are your hobbies?
I enjoy cooking, baking, working out, hiking, painting, travelling, creating educational and lifestyle content, binging on true crime podcasts/documentaries, and trying new sports.

What are three things people may not know about you?
I am an avid baker/cook and have a social media channel dedicated to my recipes! I was invited to audition for a famous TV baking show during my second year of medical school, which I unfortunately had to pass up.

I was born and raised in Canada; I can understand and speak (very broken) French.

I was deeply involved in art throughout high school and even received several awards for my paintings. After a long hiatus during my Master’s program and the first two years of medical school, I’ve recently started painting again. It’s been a therapeutic outlet for me, providing a creative escape after long days of studying and rotations.

How has ACOI helped you in your education so far?
As President of the Internal Medicine Club, we were able to bring in guest speakers with ACOI’s support, providing our students with valuable lectures and insights into the field. Additionally, ACOI gave me the opportunity to participate in abstract and poster competitions, allowing me to grow academically and engage with the broader osteopathic community. Over the past few years, my involvement with ACOI has deepened my appreciation for osteopathic internal medicine and connected me with mentors who have shaped my journey.

Do you have an idea of what specialty you would like to go into?
Internal medicine.