Dylan Arevian
Originally from the South Shore of Massachusetts, Dylan Arevian graduated cum laude from Johns Hopkins University. While at Hopkins, he conducted research on the vestibular (balance) system at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He also competed across North America on the university's Model United Nations team and served on staff for SARU, a student organization dedicated to preventing gender-based violence campus-wide. Dylan is most proud of co-founding the Maryland Gamma chapter of the Phi Delta Epsilon medical fraternity, which has grown to over 90 active members.
Dylan is excited to support and facilitate patient care during his two years with Gastro Health. He looks forward to broadening his clinical perspective, learning more about digestive diseases, and preparing for medical school. In his free time, Dylan enjoys watching movies, exploring new restaurants with friends, and writing.
Sarah Downes
Sarah Downes graduated with distinction from the University of Virginia with majors in Biology and Spanish. During her time at UVA, she mentored aspiring healthcare professionals through the pre-health advising team. As an active member of the American Medical Student Association, she served as Programming Chair for two years and as Vice President during her senior year. She also conducted research on genetic drivers of cancer and volunteered throughout Charlottesville at the UVA Cancer Center, the pediatric inpatient unit, and a local day shelter.
Originally from Framingham, Massachusetts, Sarah is excited to serve her hometown community this year. Outside of work, she volunteers at the Pearl Street Cupboard & Café food pantry and enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family. As a medical assistant, Sarah looks forward to deepening her knowledge of gastroenterology, building meaningful connections with patients, and taking the next step toward a career in medicine.
Melanie Golden
Originally from New York, Melanie Golden graduated summa cum laude from Tufts University with a B.S. in Biopsychology and a minor in Spanish. As an undergraduate, she worked with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, conducting research on Parkinson’s disease and phantom limb pain. She also served as president of the Tufts chapter of Global Medical Brigades - an organization dedicated to establishing sustainable medical clinics in underserved rural communities - which led to service work in Panama and Guatemala.
During her gap year at Gastro Health, Melanie is excited to gain clinical experience in gastroenterology, learn about the administrative side of medicine, and deepen her insight into patient-centered care while applying to medical school. Outside of work, she loves to bake, exercise, and read.
Andreanna Hardin
Andreanna “Andie” Hardin graduated with honors from Mount Holyoke College, where she studied biological and geological sciences. As an undergraduate, she spent two years in a molecular biology lab, completing an honors thesis on the effects of ketone bodies following traumatic brain injury. After graduation, she joined the Nedivi Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a Senior Research Associate, supporting molecular and cellular neurobiology research.
Beyond her research, Andie is deeply committed to medical advocacy, serving as a state lead for the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias in support of the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act.
Andie is excited to join Gastro Health to gain hands-on clinical experience and deeper insight into patient care as she prepares for a career in medicine. In her free time, she enjoys painting, cooking, and hanging out with her dog, Roger.
Nikhil Kahlon
Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Nikhil Kahlon graduated from Vanderbilt University with Highest Honors, double majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology as well as Medicine, Health, and Society. While at Vanderbilt, he conducted research in the Wilson Lab on novel methods for inhibiting H. pylori (the bacterium responsible for ulcers and stomach cancer) ultimately completing his honors thesis on the topic. Outside of the lab, he gained hands-on clinical experience as an Emergency Medical Technician and served as a team leader for Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science, teaching in local Nashville schools. He also volunteered with the Nashville Rescue Mission, Project C.U.R.E., and the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Emergency Department.
At Gastro Health, Nikhil looks forward to building on his clinical skills and deepening his knowledge of gastroenterology alongside patients and providers. In his spare time, he enjoys working out, playing basketball and golf, and reading automotive magazines.
Gretchen Kimmel
Gretchen Kimmel graduated summa cum laude from Boston College, where she was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Sigma Nu honor societies. During her time at BC, she conducted cell biology research focused on diseased muscle tissue. Alongside her research, Gretchen served as President of the Women in STEM club, leading career readiness initiatives, networking events, and the reinstatement of the club’s mentorship program. She also danced with The Dance Organization of Boston College and volunteered weekly at Mother Caroline Academy, a tuition-free school for girls from under-resourced communities in Boston.
At Gastro Health, Gretchen is excited to gain hands-on clinical and administrative experience, receive mentorship from physicians, and deepen her understanding of gastroenterology while applying to medical school. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, exploring Boston, and spending time with friends and family.
Alexa Poremba
Originally from Boston, Alexa Poremba graduated magna cum laude from Occidental College on the pre-med track. Off campus, she interned at Healthcare in Action, an organization providing street medicine, mental health, and substance use services to unhoused adults. She also interned at Kindred Space, a birth center in South Los Angeles focused on addressing the Black maternal health crisis, and volunteered across multiple departments at Huntington Hospital and Cedars-Sinai. On campus, Alexa ran for Occidental's track and field team, served as president of the Pre-Health Student Association, worked as a pre-health peer advisor and resident advisor, and conducted research in the Behavioral Medicine Lab.
At Gastro Health, Alexa is dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment for every patient. She is excited to deepen her clinical skills and learn from the providers while applying to medical school. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, traveling, and trying sweet treats with friends and family.
Olivia Schmidt
Originally from Plainview, New York, Olivia Schmidt graduated with honors from Brown University, where she majored in Neuroscience. During her time at Brown, she spent two years in a neuroscience laboratory completing a senior thesis on tools designed to study complex opioid signaling dynamics in the brain. She also served on her campus EMS squad, worked as an undergraduate teaching assistant, and led the Women’s Health Advocacy Group.
At Gastro Health, Olivia is excited to gain direct clinical experience, learn the key components of patient care, and prepare for medical school. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Alicia Ross
Originally from Atlanta, Alicia graduated Cum Laude from Bowdoin College where she majored in Neuroscience and minored in Sociology. During her time at Bowdoin, Alicia spent two summers in a neurobiology lab investigating the role of protein-protein interactions on the developing nervous system. She also spent part of her senior year contributing to a pediatric epilepsy research project at Boston Children’s Hospital. Additionally, Alicia led a mental health advocacy club and worked for Bowdoin’s Wellness Office, connecting students to various resources on campus and cultivating a welcoming, positive community.
At Gastro Health, Alicia is excited to learn from the providers as well as engage with patients and gain clinical experience as she applies to medical school. In her free time, Alicia enjoys running, yoga, and reading, and she is excited to explore all that Boston has to offer.
Deborah Wittlin
Deb graduated magna cum laude from UMass Amherst with a Bachelor of Science in neuropsychology. Throughout her time in undergraduate years, Deb participated in basic science research on bacteria. Additionally, Deb was a part of her sorority’s executive board, serving as the VP of Academic Development, where she provided members with educational support and helped them overcome their academic challenges.
During her gap year at Gastro Health, Deb looks forward to interacting with patients, gaining clinical experience, and learning from the providers and staff. After her gap year she hopes to pursue a patient-centered career in clinical psychology, focusing on behavioral health. In her free time, Deb likes to exercise, read, and spend time with her family, friends, and two cats.