Archer Fellowship Program Alumni Profiles

Pavela and Chirag Buch
Spring 2016 Archer Fellows
Pavela's Internship: The Urban Institute, Health Policy Center
Chirag's Internship: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General
Education
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Bachelor of Science in biology
Facilitated Acceptance into Medical Education Program
May 2017
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Doctor of Medicine
May 2020
Career
Residency training
Spring 2016 Archer Fellows
Pavela's Internship: The Urban Institute, Health Policy Center
Chirag's Internship: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General
Education
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Bachelor of Science in biology
Facilitated Acceptance into Medical Education Program
May 2017
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Doctor of Medicine
May 2020
Career
Residency training
"The Archer Fellowship Program taught us to think more broadly and helped us to see the world differently. Being an Archer Fellow allowed us to create connections with people from all industries around the U.S., and this has been invaluable as we learn more and more about the endless opportunities that become available to people who are willing to put one more item on their plate."
Q & A with Pavela and Chirag
Please tell us more about your current position.
We are both completing our residency training at the moment; Pavela is completing her dermatology training, and Chirag is completing his internal medicine training.
Please tell us more about your Archer Fellowship Program internship.
Chirag interned with the Department of Health and Human Services under the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and the Office of the Surgeon General. His specific focus included the Flint Michigan water crisis and the opioid epidemic. Pavela interned at the Urban Institute and her work focused on food insecurity, population health, and the social determinants of health.
What has been your general career path?
Medical school and residency training.
How has your experiences as an Archer Fellow influenced your career path and goals?
The Archer Fellowship Program taught us to think more broadly and helped us to see the world differently. Being an Archer Fellow allowed us to create connections with people from all industries around the U.S., and this has been invaluable as we learn more and more about the endless opportunities that become available to people who are willing to put one more item on their plate.
What did you value the most about your Archer Fellowship Program experiences?
The Archer Fellowship has taught us the real meaning of public service and public policy. It has tremendously influenced our career paths and aspirations.
What do you value the most about being alumni?
Once an Archer Fellow, always an Archer Fellow! As alums, we are able to reflect back on our time in D.C. Today, we understand that by being involved in the healthcare field, we’re not only able to take care of people from our communities, but we are also able to use the skills and knowledge gained from the Archer Fellowship to help deliver a more personalized, value-based healthcare experience to our patients. Having the ability to see through a different lens is an invaluable skill. The experiences from the Archer Fellowship, one by one, have contributed to focusing this new lens in a unique way that only public servants—whether they work in Capitol Hill or walk the halls of our hospitals—understand.
What are your favorite memories as an Archer Fellow?
Sitting on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and learning about our country's past and how decisions made at that time have played a role in the global position of the United States today. And of course, living this experience with a group of unforgettable friends who are all making a significant contribution to our society today.
Please tell us more about your current position.
We are both completing our residency training at the moment; Pavela is completing her dermatology training, and Chirag is completing his internal medicine training.
Please tell us more about your Archer Fellowship Program internship.
Chirag interned with the Department of Health and Human Services under the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and the Office of the Surgeon General. His specific focus included the Flint Michigan water crisis and the opioid epidemic. Pavela interned at the Urban Institute and her work focused on food insecurity, population health, and the social determinants of health.
What has been your general career path?
Medical school and residency training.
How has your experiences as an Archer Fellow influenced your career path and goals?
The Archer Fellowship Program taught us to think more broadly and helped us to see the world differently. Being an Archer Fellow allowed us to create connections with people from all industries around the U.S., and this has been invaluable as we learn more and more about the endless opportunities that become available to people who are willing to put one more item on their plate.
What did you value the most about your Archer Fellowship Program experiences?
The Archer Fellowship has taught us the real meaning of public service and public policy. It has tremendously influenced our career paths and aspirations.
What do you value the most about being alumni?
Once an Archer Fellow, always an Archer Fellow! As alums, we are able to reflect back on our time in D.C. Today, we understand that by being involved in the healthcare field, we’re not only able to take care of people from our communities, but we are also able to use the skills and knowledge gained from the Archer Fellowship to help deliver a more personalized, value-based healthcare experience to our patients. Having the ability to see through a different lens is an invaluable skill. The experiences from the Archer Fellowship, one by one, have contributed to focusing this new lens in a unique way that only public servants—whether they work in Capitol Hill or walk the halls of our hospitals—understand.
What are your favorite memories as an Archer Fellow?
Sitting on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and learning about our country's past and how decisions made at that time have played a role in the global position of the United States today. And of course, living this experience with a group of unforgettable friends who are all making a significant contribution to our society today.