Reena Patel

Something I found out about myself that I did not realize until medical school is that I really like to take on things that challenge me. Since school, I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, bungee jumped into the Nile River, hiked to Machu Picchu and most impressively ran in the Warrior Dash! I have faced my fears of kayaking in ocean waves, surfing, and scuba diving. I never would have thought I could or would do these things and when I think back on it, every experience has been so worth it. 

College gave me a lot of exposure to international courses and tempted me to get a minor in international studies. Since then, my interest in anything international urged me to find ways to incorporate it with medicine. Thank goodness for global health! It is a perfect way for me to merge my interests. Over the years, I have been involved with a couple global health mission trips; these opportunities have enhanced my medical knowledge and skills while curbing my constant ‘adventure cravings’. 

Ride for World Health is another one of my adventure cravings that sounded perfect for me from the beginning. I am really excited for the challenge of preparing a ride like this and for physically riding my bike across America. I went from buying an old 45 pound Schwinn road bike for commuting to wanting to ride across the country.  The challenge will not only be the strenuous bike rides averaging 60-100 miles a day, but we will need to stay energized to motivate Americans to stay healthy and to be aware of the discrepancies this world is facing. I already know this will be an experience I will never forget. 

Thank you for checking out our website and supporting our ride!