Student Spotlight: Harneet Arora Enjoys Growing as a Future Physician

This time last year, Harneet Arora was preparing to start medical school, taking the next step on a career path that began at her elementary school’s annual science fair.

“It was one of my favorite parts of the school year, because it gave me the freedom to learn through hands-on experimentation,” says Arora, who was always drawn to biology-related projects. One year, she tested different laundry detergents to learn about enzymes, and another, she explored how microwave radiation affects plant and bacterial growth.

What translated this affinity for science into a passion for healthcare was watching her mother experience health challenges.

“Seeing both sides — the curiosity and excitement of learning about biology in school, alongside the real-world impact it could have on someone’s life — sparked my interest in biology and medicine,” says Arora. “It made me realize that I wanted a career where I could combine my love of science with helping others.”

After earning her degree in human biology from UC San Diego, Arora kicked off the next phase of her journey at the August 2025 White Coat Ceremony for the UC Irvine School of Medicine. Now, as a new first-year class prepares to don the white coat, she reflects on what she has learned and shares some advice.

The Perfect Fit

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Arora was hoping to stay in Southern California for medical school, close to her family and support system. “UC Irvine felt like the perfect fit, and I am so grateful to be here,” she says. “I’m loving being a student in Irvine.”

While she has enjoyed exploring Irvine and escaping to the beach for study breaks, she stresses that location wasn’t her only draw to UC Irvine.

“It has been an incredible place to grow as a future physician,” says Arora. “I’ve been fortunate to meet so many faculty members and physicians who are genuinely invested in mentoring students and supporting them throughout their careers.”

She’s also impressed by their dedication to developing patient-centered solutions.

“Watching them care for patients, contribute to research and give back to the community has shown me what it means to be a great physician,” she says. “That commitment to innovation, service and mentorship is what really drew me to UC Irvine, and it’s something I’m grateful to be surrounded by every day.”

Arora got her first glimpse of UC Irvine, however, long before this year. Her brother, Jagmeet, graduated from the School of Medicine in 2025 and will return this year to start his dermatology residency.

“Seeing him go through medical school has made me even more excited about my own journey,” she says. “I watched him navigate all the ups and downs, from preclinical coursework to clinical rotations and the ‘match’ process, and seeing everything come together in the end has been really encouraging.”

A Year of Growth

Arora appreciates how much she has learned during her first year — and not just through her basic sciences coursework. She also valued taking courses on clinical foundations, culinary medicine and early clinical exposure, as well as participating in the newly reimagined Medical Ethics, Sociology and Humanities (MESH) course and the Patient-Centered (PACE) Clerkship program.

“I’ve been able to work on things like communication, confidence, time management and teamwork, as well as more personal skills like empathy and compassion,” she says. “At the same time, I’ve been exploring different specialties and volunteering at free clinics, which has helped remind me of the realities of healthcare both inside and outside of the hospital and the importance of patient-centered care.”

Beyond academics, one of the most rewarding parts of her first year has been growing alongside her classmates.

“Looking back on this year, some of my favorite memories are from the friendships, support systems and the sense of community that developed along the way,” she says. “It’s truly been a unique opportunity to grow not only as students, but also as people and future physicians.”

She adds that she was surprised by the flexibility in her day-to-day schedule, which let her prioritize her mental and physical health. “I even got a puppy a few months into medical school, which was a huge responsibility but 100% worth it,” she says. “It’s been a nice reminder that you can still make time for your personal life and responsibilities that bring you joy during medical school.”

Words of Advice

Arora advises the incoming class to slow down and enjoy every moment. “It goes by faster than you can imagine,” she says. “It’s easy to always be thinking about the next exam or milestone and to be eagerly waiting for summer, but now that I’m here, it feels like orientation week and White Coat were just yesterday!”

She also says to trust the process, stay open-minded and embrace the individuality of each journey. “There’s no single timeline or ‘right’ way to go through medical school,” she says. “Everyone is discovering their interests, strengths, specialty and future goals at their own pace.”

Arora is still discovering her interests and likes having the freedom to explore. “That’s what makes this journey so exciting,” she says. “Embrace every new experience as an opportunity for growth and enjoy the experience of becoming a physician.”

— Shani Murray