Incredible opportunity and a year I will never forget
The DOC Program was an incredible opportunity and a year I will never forget. I was able to gain a broad range of clinical skills across multiple specialties, from orthopedics and neurology to plastic surgery, neurosurgery, and so much more.
What initially attracted me to Alliance Medical Group was its collaborative, patient-centered approach to healthcare. I was amazed by the organization's commitment to working collaboratively across different specialties while also incorporating holistic treatment modalities such as acupuncture and red light therapy.
Clinically, I truly gained a wealth of skills. Working directly under Dr. Hosalkar, I observed PRP procedures, PENS treatments, vital signs and EKGs, casting, and developed longitudinal relationships with our patients. While working with Dr. Patel in neurology, I observed various injection-based procedures, memory examinations, and education to patients on medications and treatment protocols. With Dr. Guttikonda, I had the opportunity to observe plastic surgery procedures and patient education including, documentation of surgical scars. Every provider I worked with was always willing to answer my questions and consistently encouraged me to expand my clinical knowledge and skill set.
Another particularly meaningful experience was assisting in the care of ICE patients. I was exposed to a highly marginalized and unique patient population. Although it was difficult to hear many of their stories, it was incredibly rewarding to know that we were able to provide them with compassionate care, comfort, and support during challenging circumstances.
Beyond the clinical experience, Dr. Hosalkar continually challenged me both personally and academically. I delivered numerous presentations on a variety of scientific topics and even led my own research study on PRP, which is currently pending publication. I was constantly inspired by Dr. H's extraordinary work ethic and meticulous attention to detail. While some days were certainly challenging, I genuinely felt that Dr. H invested time in helping me strengthen my time management, interpersonal communication, work ethic, and attention to detail. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work hard, be challenged, and grow both professionally and personally.
The clinic as a whole fostered an incredibly fun, collaborative, and supportive environment. I developed close relationships with many of my peers, who were always generous with their knowledge and eager to help me learn. From group lunches and team games to rooftop gatherings and other events, there was always something exciting happening within the AMG community, making it an enjoyable and welcoming place to learn and grow.
Ultimately, I cannot fully express how grateful I am to have participated in the DOC Program and for the flexibility I was given to pursue my own independent research projects throughout the year. I was consistently inspired by Dr. H and the other clinicians' genuine compassion for every patient and their unwavering commitment to improving people's lives. This experience has truly prepared me for the next stage of my clinical career, and I will always be thankful for everything I learned along the way.
– Naomi Deokule
A Transformative Journey Through the AMG Developing Our Clinicians (DOC) Program
Reflections from Naavya Ahuja, Pre-Medical Student Intern
Some educational experiences teach knowledge. Others transform perspective. For Naavya Ahuja, her time in the Alliance Medical Group and Hosalkar Institute Developing Our Clinicians (DOC) Program accomplished both.
As an aspiring physician and undergraduate student at the University of California, Irvine, Naavya entered the program eager to deepen her understanding of medicine beyond the classroom. Through immersive physician shadowing, multidisciplinary clinical exposure, and meaningful mentorship, she discovered firsthand what it truly means to practice patient-centered medicine.
Throughout her rotations, Naavya had the unique opportunity to observe physicians across multiple specialties, witnessing not only the science behind diagnosis and treatment, but also the compassion, communication, and clinical judgment that define exceptional healthcare. Rather than simply observing patient encounters, she was encouraged to ask questions, review clinical documentation, and develop a deeper understanding of the reasoning behind each medical decision.
One of the most impactful experiences during her internship was learning about Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. Watching a patient's own blood be processed into a regenerative treatment and then carefully administered to promote healing demonstrated the remarkable intersection of innovation and evidence-based medicine. Seeing how regenerative therapies can potentially reduce the need for surgery expanded her appreciation for the rapidly evolving landscape of modern healthcare.
Her rotation in urology with Dr. Shilpa Argade introduced Naavya to a specialty she previously knew very little about. Beyond gaining clinical knowledge, she witnessed the importance of creating an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing deeply personal health concerns. Observing the physician-patient relationship reinforced that effective medicine depends as much on empathy, trust, and attentive listening as it does on clinical expertise.
Equally influential was the mentorship she received from Dr. Harish Hosalkar and the physicians throughout Alliance Medical Group. A lesson that resonated deeply with her was the importance of paying attention to the smallest details, because in medicine, details matter. Precision, thoughtful observation, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning became recurring themes throughout her experience.
Beyond clinical education, the DOC Program provided invaluable guidance regarding the journey toward medical school. Physicians and healthcare professionals generously shared their own experiences, encouraging Naavya to remain intellectually curious, develop disciplined study habits, and strive to understand the principles behind medicine rather than relying solely on memorization. Their mentorship offered not only practical advice but also reassurance that although the path to becoming a physician is demanding, it is profoundly meaningful for those dedicated to serving others.
Reflecting on her experience, Naavya describes the DOC Program as a defining milestone in her educational journey. The opportunity to learn directly from accomplished physicians, engage with diverse medical specialties, and experience collaborative, multidisciplinary care has strengthened both her confidence and her commitment to pursuing a career in medicine.
Programs such as the AMG Developing Our Clinicians (DOC) Program exemplify the power of mentorship in shaping the next generation of healthcare leaders. By providing aspiring physicians with authentic clinical experiences, meaningful mentorship, and exposure to compassionate, evidence-based medicine, Alliance Medical Group and the Hosalkar Institute continue to invest not only in the education of future clinicians, but in the future of patient care itself.
As Naavya continues her academic journey toward medical school, she carries forward the lessons, relationships, and inspiration gained through the DOC Program, experiences that will undoubtedly influence the physician she is becoming.
Proud moment as Maria Eduarda Hamond Vinhos successfully completes her clinical observership at Alliance Medical Group under the mentorship of Dr. Harish Hosalkar.
A Commitment to Education, Mentorship & Excellence
At Alliance Medical Group, we believe that exceptional healthcare extends beyond the patients we serve today, it includes investing in the physicians, surgeons, and healthcare professionals who will care for future generations.
For more than three decades, our founder and Medical Director, Dr. Harish S. Hosalkar, has been dedicated to educating and mentoring the next generation of medical professionals. Throughout his career, he has trained and inspired hundreds of pre-medical students, medical students, residents, fellows, and practicing physicians through hands-on clinical education, academic teaching, research, and international collaboration.
Education is woven into the fabric of our organization. Students and trainees who join Alliance Medical Group are immersed in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment where learning extends beyond textbooks. Through physician shadowing, clinical rotations, case discussions, research initiatives, and exposure to a wide range of medical specialties, they gain invaluable insight into patient-centered care while learning the importance of compassion, professionalism, innovation, and lifelong learning.
Our educational initiatives are designed to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and clinical excellence. By connecting future healthcare leaders with experienced physicians and specialists, we provide opportunities to learn from real-world patient care while fostering mentorship that extends well beyond the classroom.
At Alliance Medical Group, we recognize that today's students are tomorrow's physicians, surgeons, researchers, educators, and healthcare innovators. By investing in their growth, we are helping shape the future of medicine and strengthening the communities we proudly serve.
Because advancing healthcare begins with educating those who will lead it.
Our Pre-Medical Student Interns
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Naomi Deokule
Pre-Medical Student Intern
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Ruth Victor
Pre-Medical Student Intern
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Naavya Ahuja
Pre-Medical Student Intern
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Sofia Brigida
DOC Program Pre-Medical Student Intern
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Ruhi Rakholia
DOC Program Pre-Medical Student Intern
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Student Spotlight: A Journey That Confirmed My Calling
The AMG Developing Our Clinicians (DOC) Program has an experience I won't forget.
As an aspiring student pursuing a career in medicine, I had the chance to shadow a variety of specialized practitioners during my rotations. Not only observing but also asking questions about their practice and getting hands-on experience, like reading patients' notes and understanding what's going on. My decision to pursue a profession in healthcare was strengthened by witnessing medical practice in an actual clinical setting.
Getting to know about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment was one of the highlights of my rotation. I saw how a patient's own blood is used to make PRP, which is then precisely injected under ultrasonic guidance into damaged tissues to help in the healing process. It was amazing to observe how this treatment may reduce the need for surgery in some cases.
I also had an excellent time learning about urology from Dr. Shilpa Argade. I knew very little about the field prior to this experience, but I now have a better understanding of how urologists identify and treat. Seeing how she and the patient interacted with one another highlighted how important it is to listen carefully, ask meaningful questions, and make patients feel at ease while talking about delicate health issues, which is something I also learned from Dr. Hosalkar to pay attention to details because that's what matters.
The guidance I received from many physicians and staff in the clinics on medical school preparation was one of the most significant aspect of the program. They pushed me to maintain my curiosity, develop good study habits, and concentrate on grasping the principles of medicine rather than just memorizing information. Their advice reminded me that although being a physician is a difficult path, it is also wonderfully fulfilling for those who are dedicated to helping others.
The AMG DOC Program confirmed my love of medicine and supported my goal to become a physician. I feel more confident as I pursue my education because of the experiences I've had by understanding the information I've acquired and the mentors I've encountered. I am appreciative of the chance and will remember these teachings for the rest of my medical career.
– Ruth Victor