MC grad looks forward to serving others through healthcareJune 12, 2019

Manin Sehgal has wanted to be a doctor since he was in the 7th grade and read his mother’s book about the cardiovascular system and how angioplasty can be used to clear cholesterol.

“I’m not sure why I was so fascinated with the heart,” said Sehgal. “I was just interested in healthcare, in general. My mother is an ayurvedic physician, and as a child, I would listen to her explain how a holistic approach to medicine can help enhance one’s lifestyle. My dad's Informational Technology degree, involving CDSS [Clinical Decision Support Systems] has allowed me to see how technology revolutionized healthcare, such as insurance documenting. My parents were both role models in guiding me to choose a medical career.”

Sehgal explained that ayurvedic medicine is one of the world's oldest holistic healing systems. It was developed more than 3,000 years ago in his native country of India and is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body and spirit.  An ayurvedic practitioner uses holistic techniques to help patients maintain a healthy life, eliminate impurities, reduce stress and fight disease. Through observation techniques that focus on the interconnectedness between body, mind and spirit, practitioners assess the entire well-being of the patient.

“I began learning about medicine from my mother,” continued Sehgal. When I was in high school, I shadowed an osteopathic physician. I really liked how osteopathy focuses on therapeutic and interpersonal benefits to make appropriate physical contact with patients. It seemed to be a great way to integrate the science of medicine with the holistic concept of the body having regulating mechanisms and an inherent capacity to heal itself through self-­defense and self-­repair. When I learned about the Primary Care Pathway partnership at Midland College, I saw an opportunity to serve.”

Sehgal is referring to an innovative accelerated education and training partnership among Midland College, the University of North Texas, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and Midland Health. The program is designed to enable students to earn a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree (DO) in just seven years. The basic structure of the program is two years of full-time study at Midland College, one year of full-time study at the University of North Texas in Denton and four years of study at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth. In addition to the academic curriculum, students will complete two summer experiences. The first summer will be a clinically oriented program at Midland Memorial Hospital.  Students will also have an opportunity to perform their residency through Midland Health.

“I was born in Haryana, India, but my family moved to the United States when I was a small child,” said Sehgal. “I grew up in Irving and graduated from Coppell High School in 2017, so I consider myself to be a Texan. However, until I came to Midland College to find out more about the Primary Care Pathway program, I had never been to West Texas. I’ve really enjoyed it here during the past two years.”

Sehgal has been studying at Midland College since August 2017 and graduated from Midland College on May 10, with an Associate of Science degree. He has already been accepted into Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and will begin the program there after he completes a year at the University of North Texas (UNT). 

“I’ll be able to live at home while I’m going to UNT and also while I’m in medical school,” explained Sehgal. “It will be nice to be back at home with my family for a while.”

Sehgal is very close to his family. He is the oldest of two siblings—his sister Guneet is 14, and his brother Prinit is 8. The family honors their Indian roots and still speak Hindi & Punjabi to one another. They also return to India every other summer and volunteer in various communities. Sehgal helps with healthcare awareness classes explaining the importance of good hygiene and clean water to Indian communities.

One of Sehgal’s favorite hobbies is also centered around his homeland. He enjoys choreographing and performing in the Bollywood- and Bhangra-styles of dance. 

“I’ve been dancing since I was in the 8th grade,” stated Sehgal. “I’m currently working on a routine with my sister and cousins for a family wedding this summer.”

In addition to dancing, Sehgal also enjoys basketball—both playing and watching. He is an avid Dallas Mavericks fan, rooting for his team when they won the 2011 NBA Finals.

During his time in Midland, he has been active in the Hindu Association of West Texas. At Midland College, he has been a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Chemistry Club. He has also participated in various Midland College research projects including nanoparticle anti-cancer research and the effects of yeast culture on solar radiation to determine sunscreen effectiveness. Further, Sehgal has tutored fellow MC students in Anatomy & Physiology and General Biology. He currently maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.97.

“Working as a part of HOSA (Health Occupations for Students of America) affirmed my passion to become a part of healthcare,” said Sehgal. “When I started Midland College, I was determined to succeed because I had a goal of getting into medical school and becoming a doctor. Getting an opportunity to be a part of The Primary Care Pathway Program has provided a platform for me to succeed.  After studying at Midland College through this program, I have realized that cities like Midland have a great infrastructure in place and provide wonderful opportunities for healthcare professionals.”