VMCVM Student Spotlight: Andre Asarian
Andre Asarian
Degree: MPH 2026 Public Health Education
Hometown: Long Island, New York
My undergraduate was in…
I graduated with distinction from Virginia Tech and the Corps of Cadets with B.S. degrees in public health and political science!
Best part of being a VMCVM student…
... is being involved with the veterinary side of public health! Being in a classroom with peers who are interested in veterinary medicine, in addition to learning about public health within a vet school, is a unique part of our program!
VMCVM also gave me the opportunity to adopt my cat, Po! Without VMCVM, I wouldn't be paired up with my new best friend to tackle the world!
The moment I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian/public health professional was…
Being an EMT during COVID-19. I knew that I wanted to continue to support public health, especially after my experiences during the pandemic. After coming to VT, I knew I wanted to continue my education to become a physician.
My hidden talent...
I always have an outside voice!
A person who has inspired me...
My parents have been my biggest fans since day 1! From supporting me throughout my time in Blacksburg to proofreading application essays or even listening to my daily rants, they have always been there for me!
Biggest misconception about being a public health student…
That I want to be a veterinarian since I go to school in the vet school at VT.
While I love my cat, I'm not sure if I could give my cat a vaccine :(
If I had a superpower, it would be...
Teleportation! I could travel anywhere in seconds, and I'd never be late!
My no-fail, go-for-it motivational song...
Empire State of Mind - it reminds me of home!
The course project/study you're most excited about…
This is definitely my MPH Practicum and Integrative Learning Experience with VTCSOM!
My team and I are focusing on the perceived benefits of rural clinical experiences in a competency-based medical education curriculum. The project has allowed me to gain insight into medical education and further influenced my passion to not only aspire to become a physician but also continue as an educator as well.
What excites me the most about the future of my industry...
Everything! Medicine is always changing, with new studies or technology being developed daily. I'm looking forward to continuously evolving the field to improve medical care!
Favorite way to end the day...
Eating sushi and watching Rescue Me or Football with Po!
Top of my bucket list...
Visiting three countries - Armenia, Peru, and Japan!
Armenia and Peru are where my family comes from, and I really love sushi, so Japan is a must!
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
I live with my cat, Po! He's a 1-year-old tuxedo cat whom I adopted through VMCVM!
Formerly known as "John-Wick", he has been doing well after an initial health scare last fall.
Anything else to add?
VMCVM is definitely the place to be! I've really enjoyed my public health experience here, and would recommend it to anyone!
My advice to future students would be to make the most of your time here!
