About Us
Our Story
The idea for Healing Hands Mentorship was born from firsthand experience with how difficult it can be for students to find meaningful exposure to medicine. Despite strong interest and motivation, many students lack access to physician mentors or shadowing opportunities simply because they do not have personal connections in healthcare. Recognizing this gap, we set out to create a program that opens doors for students by connecting them directly with practicing physicians. Through mentorship, specialty talks, and hands-on shadowing, Healing Hands Mentorship provides students with an authentic look into the medical profession. What began as a shared challenge has grown into a mission to ensure that every interested student has a fair opportunity to explore a future in medicine.
Founders
Nikhil Patel
Nikhil Patel is a driven junior at Beckman High School and aspiring physician committed to transforming access to medical mentorship. As the co-founder of Healing Hands Mentorship, he built one of the few student-led nonprofits that directly connects aspiring medical students with real clinical shadowing opportunities. His experiences in shadowing physicians across multiple specialties have fueled his passion for the precision, innovation, and collaboration that defines modern medicine. Beyond his nonprofit, Nikhil, an Eagle Scout, leads his Boy Scouts troop, volunteers weekly at a local hospital, competes on his school’s tennis team, performs piano, and is an active member of Model UN. He aspires to become a physician who advances healthcare through innovation while inspiring the next generation of doctors through mentorship and leadership.
Sohum Shah
Sohum Shah is a sophomore at Sage Hill School with a deep passion for science, medicine, and helping others. He co-founded Healing Hands Mentorship to create meaningful opportunities for students to explore the medical field and connect with physicians. Beyond his academic interests, Sohum is the head of the Freshman class for Student Government, an active member of the debate team, a dedicated Boy Scout, and a basketball player. These experiences have strengthened his leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, qualities he brings to every endeavor. Through Healing Hands Mentorship, Sohum hopes to inspire curiosity, compassion, and service in the next generation of healthcare professionals.
State Ambassadors
Maria Mogbana
North Carolina State Ambassador
Maria Mogbana is a motivated sophomore at Forsyth Country Day School (in the Triad area.) Maria is an aspiring physician, passionate specifically about reproductive endocrinology. Her experiences with family members navigating the medical system as well as injustices within the industry empowered her to be the change she wants to see. Beyond her position at HHM, Maria plays volleyball in at out of school, is involved in HOSA, Youth and Government, Red Cross, and volunteers consistently with both hospice care and in the hospital. She hopes to help future healthcare professionals find connections within the field and empower them to reach for their goals.
Saavna Menon
Illinois State Ambassador
Saavna Menon is a freshman at William Fremd High School with a strong interest in medicine, particularly pediatrics and gastroenterology, and hopes to make a positive impact on children and their families. Beyond academics, Saavna enjoys Bharatanatyam, violin, guitar, reading, and learning ASL. Through Healing Hands Mentorship, she hopes to explore different areas of medicine, gain valuable exposure to the medical field, and connect aspiring physicians with medical professionals who can mentor and inspire them.
State Ambassadors help expand Healing Hands Mentorship (HHM) in their state by connecting students to opportunities and promoting our mission. Ambassadors can gain leadership experience, build connections, earn volunteer hours, and make an impact on students interested in healthcare.