COM Outlook Spring 2020

16 | DR. KIRAN C. PATEL COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE + was that I worked with a very dynamic group that included some of the most forward-thinking people I have met,” he said. “To make a strong playoff run, our group constantly looked for ways to improve, whether it be through in-game strategy or player acquisition via free agency or trades. Overall, we made a strong push and ended up winning our division that year.” Despite the satisfaction he derived from achieving his lifelong ambition, Desai realized something significant was amiss. “During my time with the Rangers, I felt lucky to be there,” he said. “However, even though it was an industry I grew up idolizing, I felt unfulfilled.” Desai found himself reflecting fondly on the work he had done with the Hindu American Foundation shortly after graduating college (see sidebar). “I knew there would be no job more gratifying than being able to serve those who needed help the most,” he explained. “I wanted to refocus my career on global outreach, so I decided that medicine would be the perfect avenue to do so. Although my journey into baseball was an unorthodox path, it allowed me to reflect on and ensure I would have no regrets about going into medicine.” Surgical Home Run When it came time to choose a medical school, Nova Southeastern University’s KPCOM stood out for its renowned international medical outreach programs and opportunities to earn a dual Master of Public After earning his bachelor’s degree in May 2014, Desai spent a summer working in Washington, D.C., with the Hindu American Foundation—a political advo- cacy organization that advocates for the rights of minority religious groups. “I had the opportunity to work, and attend meetings, with organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union,” said Desai, who also interacted with several politicians, including Tulsi Gabbard, a 2020 presidential candidate and con- gressional representative from Hawaii. “When I applied for my political advocacy internship, I was just another fourth-year college student looking for postgraduate employment,” he explained. “My grand- father found the program and told me I should look into it. A few interviews later, I got the job.” During his time with the Hindu American Foundation, Desai tackled issues that misrepresented Hindu Americans in society. One such example involved collaborating with public education officials on how social studies textbooks grossly misrepre- sented Hindu philosophies. “What really stood out to me, however, was our work highlighting the plight of Hindu refugees in South Asia,” he said. “This was actually my first avenue to medicine, as I found that physicians from our organization were going overseas to provide care for this disadvantaged group. It was during this time that I be- came passionate about outreach work in developing countries, as I witnessed socioeconomic disparities firsthand.” METAL PROGNOSIS Clockwise from top left: Tej Desai, holding his younger brother Dev, enjoys the 1999 holiday season with his cousin Avni Patel; Desai’s love of baseball started early, which is evidenced by the Chicago White Sox pants he’s wearing in this photo; Desai with his parents Yash and Jay Desai at the 2016 KPCOM White Coat Ceremony. SIDELINE PASSION