Growing up, I was fascinated by the human body and driven by a passion for health equity. At Rice, I knew I wanted to pursue medicine but college felt like a place to learn in new areas. I found myself in business courses, and not only did I enjoy them, but I discovered that my skill set fit the field well. 

Medicine and business initially felt like separate worlds, but I eventually realized they complement each other. Medicine isn't just about treating patients; it's about communication, teamwork and making decisions under pressure. These skills are sharpened in business classes, where you learn to analyze data quickly, think strategically and collaborate toward a common goal. Balancing pre-med and business classes as a biochemistry and finance major has allowed me to cultivate two passions, though it has made managing my coursework and maintaining balance even more important.

My key strategy is intentional planning. Scheduling classes in the mornings leaves larger blocks of time later in the day for research, volunteering and clubs. My Google Calendar holds every responsibility, from a class or a meeting to time with friends, helping me dedicate my full attention to each part of my life while maintaining flexibility.

Rice University has made this path easier, offering opportunities that let me pursue both interests. For example, I’ve been a part of Rice EMS, research, volunteering efforts, treasurer positions and a private equity internship. I’m also involved in clubs that blend medicine and business. Within the Rice Undergraduate Investment Fund (RUIF), I’m a senior analyst in the healthcare sector, bringing my passion for medicine into an investment context. Rice for LLS, a club I started, supports the initiatives of Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) with two branches: a business sector focused on fundraising and a healthcare sector focused on raising awareness. These clubs foster integration, encouraging students to use different skill sets to work hand-in-hand.

Additionally, Rice’s mentors, like professors, major advisors and pre-med advisors, are incredible guides, making themselves consistently available through office hours, review sessions and through email. Their support makes navigating a dual path feel manageable.

Pursuing two tracks makes it easy to get caught up in work, but I’ve learned that balance is also about making time for myself. Through running and Rice Riyaaz, a Bollywood hip-hop dance fusion team, I’m reminded that not everything should feel like work. Grabbing dinner with friends or studying together off campus can make the long hours feel lighter. I also try to explore Houston whenever I can, whether through puppy yoga, rooftop movies under the stars, or discovering new restaurants.

With this balance, I’ve learned to recognize that some weeks, exams and papers take priority, while others will leave me with more time to spend with others. I’ve learned which study techniques work for me, when I need a break, and how much I can realistically handle, helping me prevent burnout and stay motivated.

The environment Rice fosters makes this possible. Ultimately, Rice has shown me that pursuing multiple interests doesn’t mean choosing one over another. It means exploring both, finding where my passions overlap, and being supported by a community that helps bring them together. At Rice, pursuing both pre-med and business isn’t an exception; it’s part of our culture of exploration, which many students participate in, allowing us to grow and learn how to integrate our passions into a meaningful future path.

-Dia, Will Rice ‘28 (Published on 11/4/25)