Student Experience
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UR senior returns to her roots, medicine, and meaning
September 11, 2025
Student Experience
A healthcare internship in Nepal helped Sanskriti Basnyat deepen her commitment to a future as a doctor grounded in compassion and cultural understanding.
For University of Richmond senior Sanskriti Basnyat, returning to her native Nepal this summer was a significant step in her journey to becoming a purpose-driven doctor. “I wanted to come back to Nepal, visit, and also work with nonprofit health organizations,” said Basnyat, whose family moved to the United States when she was 14. “I was curious about how the healthcare system works in this country, especially in comparison to the U.S.”
Over six weeks, the dual major in biology and health studies interned with local municipal health clinics across Kathmandu, where she worked on public health awareness campaigns. The opportunity, supported by UR’s Chaplaincy, required her not only to explore professional growth but also to examine the experience through a spiritual lens.
Her days were often spent speaking to elementary school students about nutrition, hygiene, and the dangers of tobacco use — outreach efforts designed to support the Tulasi Maya Memorial Cancer Relief Foundation. The nonprofit is recognized for its work in preventive healthcare and community education, particularly cancer awareness and screenings for women in rural and underserved areas.
“I tried to make my presentations really interactive,” said Basnyat, who still speaks Nepali. “The kids always thanked me afterward, asked me about where I’m from, and even wanted to take pictures.”
Basnyat quickly discovered that many young people in the rural areas had already developed unhealthy habits, such as smoking by age 10, and they appreciated her educational efforts. “They don’t always have support at home, so having someone take the time to care really matters to them,” she said.
The work was emotional at times. She met students who faced neglect, poverty, and trauma, including orphans and survivors of sexual assault. “It melted my heart,” Basnyat said. “I really want to be able to give back to them in the future and help in whatever way I can. That might be the spiritual lens through which I view my profession, just helping without expecting anything back.”
The idea that service itself can be a spiritual practice has been strengthened by Basnyat’s involvement with the UR Zen community, a weekly meditation group led by Buddhist Campus Minister Kevin Heffernan. It was Rev. Dr. Jamie Lynn Haskins who encouraged her to apply for a chaplaincy internship, supported her through the process, and served as her advisor during her internship.
While she’s still working out the core spiritual question she’ll reflect on in her final internship paper, she acknowledged that her experience deepened her commitment to practicing medicine in ways that are grounded in compassion, equity, and cultural understanding.
“I wanted to learn, grow, and see what Nepal looks like from a different perspective,” she said. “This has helped me do that.”
A future career dedicated to giving back
Sanskriti Basnyat (bottom, far right) giving a presentation to 3rd and 4th graders about nutrition, hygiene, and tobacco awareness at a local school in Kathmandu.
Basnyat spent time shadowing doctors and healthcare workers. Her supervisor, who practices Ayurvedic medicine, provided insight into Nepal’s holistic health traditions. This experience gave Basnyat a contrast to the clinical research she conducts back at Richmond, where she works in a neuroscience lab studying epilepsy. (This year, she co-authored her first research publication with biology professor Colleen Carpenter-Swanson.)
She admired Nepal’s system of free basic health services and affordable healthcare at public clinics, but also noted that access alone doesn’t ensure individuals will follow up, especially in rural or stigmatized contexts. “You can often see a doctor and get prescriptions at little or no cost, without worrying about insurance paperwork,” she said. “But there’s still a lot of fear and misunderstanding, especially with illnesses like cancer. The stigma often keeps people from speaking openly or seeking timely care.”
As she begins her final year at Richmond, Basnyat plans to apply to medical school. She’s interested in becoming a surgeon — possibly in a cardiovascular or neurological field — and envisions a career that includes annual volunteer trips to Nepal.
The Richmond Bonner Scholar spends around 10 hours a week volunteering with organizations like The Virginia Home, which supports individuals with physical disabilities, and CrossOver Healthcare Ministry, which helps those who are uninsured or on Medicaid. “Giving back has always been a part of who I am. I want to continue that,” she said.
While in Nepal, she stayed with her grandparents and other relatives as she reacquainted herself with Kathmandu. “It felt so good to be back with my family,” she said. “I explored the city, tried different food, hung out with friends, and at the same time learned about what I want to do 10 years from now. It’s been a roller coaster ride, but in the best way.”
