Hey everyone!  My name is Catherine Parr, and I am a rising junior at Penn studying health care management and policy in Wharton.  I am from Cold Spring, New York, a small town located along the Hudson River just an hour north of New York City.  

This summer, I will be interning with Aravind Eye Care Systems in Madurai.  Growing up, I was in and out of doctors’ offices and hospitals receiving treatment for my rare ear disease.  I had thirteen surgeries between the ages of four and eleven, and I have been wearing two hearing aids since I was in the first grade. I was able to receive all the care that I needed because of my mom’s generous health insurance coverage, but I know that many people are not so fortunate.   I want to pursue a career in the health care sector so I can help others receive the care they need to live happy, healthy lives and achieve their dreams.  

I am really excited to be working with Aravind this summer because I will be able to support their mission of preventing needless blindness.  Aravind Eye Care System is a world-renowned hospital chain that has helped tens of millions of patients since it was founded in 1976. I know I will learn a lot about how a health-based nonprofit organization is managed effectively, and I am looking forward to gaining a clearer vision of what I want to do after my time as an undergrad at Penn.

Our visas are finalized, bags are packed, housing and flights are booked… India, here we come!