For fourth-year medical student Nikhita Santebennur, the pursuit of science and research has always been about people.
I’ve always been invested in the overlap and nuance of how science is integrated into the sociocultural context. That is what made medicine a good fit for me.
Nikhita Santebennur
“I’ve always been invested in the overlap and nuance of how science is integrated into the sociocultural context. That is what made medicine a good fit for me,” she said. “It’s really about being an advocate for the patient.”
Santebennur is pursuing a residency in otolaryngology as a head and neck surgeon while serving as the research coordinator for two projects in the Otolaryngology Clinical Outcomes, Assessment, & Technological Innovation Lab (OTO-COATI Lab).
The OTO-COATI Lab has developed multiple devices utilizing integrated elastic scattering spectroscopy (ESS) technology that enhances detection of head and neck cancer tissue across various clinical settings. Santebennur is currently coordinating two pilot studies evaluating two different ESS devices: the first is a scanning plate that assesses the deep margins of excised tumors head and neck cancers; the second study evaluates the use of ESS technology in a portable, battery-powered probe that can screen for head and neck cancer in a clinical setting.
“Screening is an incredibly cost-effective way to reduce the burden of disease in the global health context, especially in areas without the infrastructure to handle complex medical care,” she said.
I think research is really a great way to funnel your frustrations with the healthcare system, your frustrations with the limitations, into really productive action that can benefit patients and benefit yourself.
Nikhita Santebennur
Santebennur is drawn to otolaryngology because of the immediate impact these surgeries have on improving people’s lives.
“I think it’s like magic, especially with children, that you can give them the opportunity to hear for the first time, or improve their breathing,” said Santebennur.
Research, she said, is also about making strides toward better patient care.
“I think research is really a great way to funnel your frustrations with the healthcare system, your frustrations with the limitations, into really productive action that can benefit patients and benefit yourself.”