A self-professed science geek, Anand Chukka arrived at Washington University in St. Louis eager to prepare for a career in medicine. As a December degree candidate, he has accomplished just that. He majored in biochemistry in Arts & Sciences; conducted medical research in labs in St. Louis, Boston and San Francisco; and serves as co-president of GlobeMed, a student-run nonprofit that addresses health inequities.
But he also majored in American culture studies in Arts & Sciences, a decision that reaffirmed his passion for medicine and positions him to be a better doctor.
“I have learned that health is not just CRISPR and gene editing,” Chukka said. “It is economic policy and the criminal justice system. It’s housing ordinances and racial policies. My courses in American culture studies taught me to take a more holistic view. I understand now that culture shapes policy and policy shapes health outcomes.”