Emily “Mel” Gang, who grew up in Connecticut and studied biology and philosophy at Tufts University, became drawn to medicine while studying abroad in Nepal. She chose the Population-based Urban and Rural Community Health (PURCH) track, a program based at the UMass Chan-Baystate regional campus in Springfield, because she is passionate about community and diversity.

“I love getting to know people in any situation—people from different backgrounds and people who speak different languages,” said Gang. “I was interested in science and wanted to learn all the time, so UMass Chan felt like the perfect match. It all came together when I joined the PURCH program, which is focused on community and diversity.”

Gang describes her PURCH community and Baystate Health in Springfield as warm and welcoming.

“The most endearing and amazing part of PURCH is the people,” she said. “If a program can bring amazing people together, then that’s so telling of what it provides. The people here are some of the kindest and most inspiring folks I've worked with. In a time when we're growing, learning and challenged all the time, to feel at home here is really special.”

Her advice to prospective students considering PURCH?

“I’d say don't think twice,” said Gang. “The people are incredible and will make your med school experience so special. They’ll help you grow into the person you’ve always envisioned yourself becoming.”