#MedCanes Ambassador Spotlight: Pranavi Garlapati on Life at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
“#MedCanes Chronicles” offers first-person perspectives into the lives of medical students on their journey to becoming health care leaders. The series delves into the personal narratives of these aspiring doctors and scientists, shedding light on their struggles, triumphs and the resilience that propels them forward.
Before she ever stepped onto the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine campus, Pranavi Garlapati already knew where to find the Green Garage and could picture herself studying in Calder Library. As a prospective medical student, she was enthralled by videos created by a Miller School #MedCanes social media ambassador, gaining an authentic glimpse into student life at the Miller School.
Today, as a member of the Miller School’s Class of 2029 and a Spring 2026 social media ambassador, Garlapati paid forward that experience and shared her own medical school journey online.
We caught up with Garlapati to discuss her path to medicine, why she chose the Miller School and how serving as a social media ambassador became one of the most rewarding parts of her first year.
What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?
When I was young, my family lived in Chicago, and I frequently dealt with asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory issues. I spent a lot of time in doctors’ offices and emergency rooms.
Even though those experiences could have been stressful, I remember the physicians and care teams making me feel comfortable and cared for. They found ways to make difficult situations feel less intimidating, and that left a lasting impression on me. As I got older, I became increasingly interested in science and biology, and medicine seemed like the perfect way to combine those interests with helping people.
Why did you choose the Miller School of Medicine?
I completed my undergraduate studies at The University of Texas at Austin, where I majored in biochemistry and conducted neuroscience research. When I was applying to medical schools, Miller immediately stood out to me. The faculty were involved in exciting projects, Miami offered incredible opportunities and I had a strong feeling that the school would be a great fit. After receiving an interview invitation, I was thrilled. The interview process felt welcoming and personal, and I could already sense the strong community among students and faculty.
What really solidified my decision was attending Second Look Weekend. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, from faculty to current students. I met future classmates, connected with upperclassmen who offered guidance and even met my roommate. It became clear that Miller was a place where students genuinely support one another.
Leaving Texas for Miami was a big step outside my comfort zone, but it has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
What has stood out to you most about your first year at Miller?
The combination of community and opportunity has been incredible. Miller students are ambitious, but they’re also supportive and collaborative. If you have an idea or a goal, people genuinely want to help you make it happen.
I’ve become involved with the IDEA Exchange Clinic, a student-led substance use clinic, and found an amazing group of friends who make medical school both rewarding and enjoyable. I also appreciate how the curriculum is structured. We work hard, but there’s still time to enjoy everything Miami has to offer, from the arts and cultural scene to outdoor activities and community events.
What specialties are you currently interested in pursuing?
Right now, I’m most interested in ophthalmology and otolaryngology (ENT). I’m drawn to specialties that combine meaningful patient interactions with hands-on procedures. That said, I’m keeping an open mind. I know that clinical rotations and mentorship experiences can completely change your perspective, so I’m excited to explore different fields over the next few years.
What inspired you to become a Miller School social media ambassador?
Honestly, a previous ambassador played a significant role in my decision to attend Miller. When I was applying to medical school, I followed a former ambassador’s content and found it incredibly helpful. Most schools share rankings and accomplishments, which are important, but what I really wanted to know was what daily life looked like as a medical student.
Through her videos, I could see where students studied, what campus life looked like and how they balanced academics with everything else. It gave me a much more authentic understanding of the school than I could get from a brochure or website.
By the time I arrived on campus, I already felt familiar with many of the places I had seen in those videos. That experience showed me how powerful student-created content can be, and I wanted to help provide that same perspective for future applicants.
What were some of the benefits of serving as a social media ambassador?
One of the biggest benefits was the opportunity to connect with prospective students. Throughout the year, I received messages from pre-med students and accepted applicants who had questions about Miller, medical school and life in Miami. Being able to help answer those questions and share my experiences was incredibly rewarding.
The role also allowed me to document my own journey. Medical school moves quickly, and it’s easy to forget how much happens in a single year. Creating videos gave me a way to capture those memories and reflect on my experiences.
Most importantly, it gave me the chance to pay forward the support and insight I received when I was applying to medical school.
How did you balance being an ambassador with the demands of medical school?
The program is very flexible and supportive. The social media team does an excellent job helping ambassadors succeed while understanding that academics come first.
If you’re having a particularly busy week, there’s flexibility. Communication is key, and there’s always support when it comes to brainstorming ideas or creating content. I was completely new to video editing when I started and had never used CapCut before, but the learning curve was manageable. For me, creating content became a fun creative outlet and a way to relieve stress rather than an added burden.
More from our #MedCanes Ambassadors
Miller School student Claudia Kersting has found her calling, and discovered her voice, as she prepares for medical school.
Miller School medical student Harsh Moolani collaborated with his fiancée to create an application to help couples with residency matches.
Miller School medical student and #MedCanes Ambassador Danielle Francesca Gabuzda wants primary care to be a more viable career.
Miller School student Yasmine Mohseni will be posting about her medical schooll experiences as #MedCanes Ambassadors.
Tags: Department of Medical Education, MedCanes Chronicles, medical education, medical students