Alumni Spotlight: Ovya Ganesan MPH’21 MED’26
Bridging Public Health and Medicine through Learning, Adaptability, and Curiosity
Today, Ovya Ganesan MPH’21 MED’26 is a surgical resident at Mass General Brigham–Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, where she is building on the clinical and public health education she gained at Dartmouth.
Ganesan was drawn to surgery because of its fast-paced nature and its combination of applied anatomy and physiology, judgment, and technical skill. “The problems are often complex, and I find it rewarding to take responsibility for a patient’s care and see them through their recovery,” she says.
Ganesan’s experience at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth spanned both the MPH and MD programs, giving her complementary perspectives that she now draws on throughout her medical training.
“The MD program gave me the clinical foundation I use every day, while the MPH curriculum taught me to think broadly about how healthcare systems work and how decisions are made.”
During her time at Dartmouth, she expressed learning how to navigate different environments, a skill she considers essential to practicing medicine. “Being a good physician is not just about knowing the right answer; it is also about understanding the people and systems around you and learning how to do great work within them.”
One experience that stands out for Ganesan was the opportunity to rotate at hospitals in other states for core clerkships. Experiencing different patient populations, hospital cultures, and approaches to medicine challenged her to move beyond what was familiar. “My rotation experiences made me much more adaptable,” she reflects.
For incoming students, Ganesan emphasizes the lasting value of learning. Her advice is rooted in something her parents expressed to her: “Education is something no one can take away from you, and that has stayed with me.”
“Learn as much as you can. Take advantage of the fact that, for a few years, your main job is to become as knowledgeable as possible.”
Ganesan believes the knowledge students gain will remain with them and ultimately shape the care they provide others. “Careers change. Plans change. But what you learn becomes yours, and it becomes the foundation for how well you can take care of someone else. Have fun, stay curious, and try your best every day.”
Written By: Mia Soucy
POSTED 8/28/2026 AT 11:03 AM IN #alumni #mph #MD
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