Life as a Third Year BU Medical Student

For MED student Sarvesh Palaniappan, clerkship rotations offer hands-on experience and affirmation that 'you are truly making a difference in people's lives'

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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As a third-year medical student at Boston University, Sarvesh Palaniappan has been rotating through a series of clerkships, from obstetrics and gynecology to pediatrics and internal medicine. Each rotation allows him to learn more about a specific medical department and gain hands-on experience, even if he doesn't know everything at first. Palaniappan says the fast-paced nature of the rotations and the ability to adapt to unexpected situations is what makes them special, and the exposure to different areas of medicine could help him determine his future residency specialty.

Why it matters

Clerkship rotations are a crucial part of medical education, allowing students like Palaniappan to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world clinical settings and gain valuable experience that will prepare them for their future careers as physicians. These rotations help students affirm their passion for medicine and the difference they can make in patients' lives.

The details

During his internal medicine rotation, Palaniappan is managing patients' medications and follow-up appointments, dealing with a wide range of conditions from kidney disease to cardiovascular issues. He says the fast-paced nature of the work and the need to adapt to unexpected situations is what makes the rotations special, as it allows him to learn and grow as a future doctor.

  • Palaniappan is currently in his third year of medical school at Boston University.

The players

Sarvesh Palaniappan

A third-year medical student at Boston University's School of Medicine.

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What they’re saying

“Even if you don't know exactly everything, the whole point is to learn every day.”

— Sarvesh Palaniappan, Third-year medical student (bu.edu)

“It's fast-paced. You're always having to adapt, but that's what makes it special—it's that you see so many different things.”

— Sarvesh Palaniappan, Third-year medical student (bu.edu)

“What's keeping me motivated is the end goal. It's knowing that I have this responsibility, knowing that I have this role as a physician, to walk into a patient's room and being that role of healthcare, being the face of healthcare for them...you really are truly making a difference in people's lives.”

— Sarvesh Palaniappan, Third-year medical student (bu.edu)

The takeaway

Clerkship rotations are a vital part of medical education, allowing students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world clinical settings and gain invaluable hands-on experience that will prepare them for their future careers as physicians. These rotations help affirm students' passion for medicine and their ability to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.