BIO

My name is Geethu Kurian. I was born in Chicago, Illinois where my parents immigrated to from India in the 1980s. When I was two years old, we moved to Tampa, Florida which is where I was raised and call home. Both of my parents worked in the healthcare field, and I always knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps. My family’s dinner conversations revolved around different events and patients my parents encountered at the hospital that day, instilling in me a deep level of respect and understanding of the field since childhood. There was always an emphasis on academic excellence in our household which led me to attend the University of Florida for my undergraduate studies. There I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology as well as a minor in Mass Communications. I chose to take a year off school to get a clearer idea of what exactly I wanted to pursue in the healthcare field.

It was during this time that I discovered the field of podiatry and everything it had to offer. I immediately fell in love with the ability of the physician to offer real time physical relief to patients which visibly improved their quality of life. I was drawn to the inherent creativity and problem-solving ability required in the profession. Lastly, I valued that the continuity of care provided a unique opportunity to learn about patients’ lives and witness each step of progress each intervention achieved.

I went on to complete my medical education at Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in North Chicago, Illinois. There I was chosen to be part of the founding class of Scholl Scholars, providing me the opportunity to collaborate with a team of my classmates and faculty members to enrich the Scholl podiatry experience. While in podiatry school I served as Parliamentarian on the Executive Student Council. This was a tremendous experience allowing me to interact with peers from all different programs at my institution including MD, pharmacy, and PA among others. I learned the importance of teamwork, tolerance and objectivity and further developed my conflict resolution skills.

I am thrilled to continue my podiatric medical training at West Penn. I am honored and determined to take full advantage of the opportunity residency presents to learn via hands on experiences under the guidance of some of the most talented surgeons in our profession.  I have found that thorough preparation prior to clinic and surgical procedures yields the best results for learning as well as patient outcomes, and I intend to continue to work by that principle in residency. I was raised to value hard work and taught to have curiosity about the world around me, ideals which influence every choice I make and allow me to live a life that I am proud of. My goal is to become the type of physician that I would send my own family to- one with empathy who advocates for her patients, curiosity who is constantly learning and up to date on medical advances and drive who challenges herself to grow each day.