Hey Reader,
One Hundred and Sixty THOUSAND. That’s more people than most meet in an entire lifetime.
Since I started Dr. Interested at 14 with just a notebook and an idea, we’ve grown into a global youth-led movement. We support youth to learn, lead, and create meaningful change, whether through mentorship, advocacy campaigns, events, or research projects. Today, we reach 106 countries, engage 1,400 passionate members, and are powered by youth creating change, supporting each other, and making health education accessible to all.
Want to join the conversation and connect with other changemakers? Jump into our Discord here.
Here’s what you’ll find in this newsletter:
- Highlights from our 2025 Annual Impact Report
- Ways to get involved in 2026, including volunteer programs, events and a chance to win gift cards!
- Recaps of recent programs and webinars
- Our Member of the Month spotlight
- How to contribute to our Mission!
📊 2025 Annual Impact Report
Looking back at 2025, here’s what makes us proud:
- 367 executives leading programs and strategy
- 20+ events connecting youth globally
- 400+ mentor hours shaping the next generation
- 900 volunteers contributing their time and skills
- 3.7 million impressions amplifying health equity and youth advocacy
- And 160,000 youth impacted!!
Being a listed Civil Society Organization with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and a member of Imagine Canada and Development & Peace, reminds us that impact isn’t just about numbers, it’s about building systems that empower youth and create lasting change.
What started as a personal idea is now a collective mission powered by youth worldwide. I’m endlessly grateful to everyone who believed in the vision and made it real.
📖 Explore the full 2025 Impact Report:impact.drinterested.org
📱 Instagram post: Link
💼 Our Executive Director's LinkedIn post: Link
🎉 Kicking Off 2026
Happy New Year, Dr. Interested community! We’re starting the year with tons of ways to get involved, stay connected, and make an impact.
Stay connected:
Show your involvement:
🚨 Ongoing Programs
Beyond the White Coat
Two-week virtual program exploring lesser-known careers in medicine and healthcare.
- Week 1: Curated learning & guided activities
- Week 2: Create a one-page poster on a medical or healthcare career of your choice
- Top submissions featured publicly!
- Earn volunteer hours and certificates.
🗓 Feb 1 – Feb 14 | 📍 Discord
Sign up: Form Link
Sign Up as a Dr. Interested General Volunteer!
Join our team, contribute to meaningful projects, track hours, earn recognition, and unlock opportunities. Benefits include:
- Volunteer events like Cards for Doctors
- Microgrants, travel grants, workshops, mentorship
- National Service Recognition Certificate at 120 hours
- Resume-building experience and letters of recommendation
Sign up here: Form Link
Youth Mental Health & Human Rights Survey
Your voice matters! Shape an international human rights report by sharing your lived experience in mental health.
- Incentives: Enter a draw for 3 x $20 gift cards
- Optional certificate of participation
- Anonymous & confidential
- Deadline: Feb 5, 2026
Submit here: Survey Link
Special thanks to members leading this program: Muhammad (Dir. Publications) & Velan (Deputy Exec Dir)
🌟 Upcoming Events
Power of Opportunity: Research
🗓 Feb 7, 2026 | Time TBD
Explore research careers and mentorship opportunities with ColdMatchAI.
Importance of Words in Medicine
🗓 Mar 7, 2026 | Time TBD
Learn about medical literacy and effective communication in healthcare with The Kindness and Smile Zone.
📌 Recaps: Recent Highlights
Dr. Interested x UNESCO: From Classroom to Career
🗓 Jan 27 | 6–7 pm EST
Part of the Learning Planet Festival, this session explored how education can better prepare youth for today’s fast-changing careers. We discussed flexible learning, early career exposure, interdisciplinary skills, and ideas for system-level change.
Led with UNESCO and the Learning Planet Institute, the session combined big-picture thinking with actionable insights. Huge thanks to Grasen M, Shanvir S, Anish K, Neah J, Nevin B, Olivia M, Sanad R, Payton F & Tathya G for their leadership and energy in making it a success.
The recording will be released soon!
🌟 Member of the Month
Dabosmita Parial – Publications Team | 17 | Doha, Qatar
Our January Member of the Month is Dabosmita, who has been thoughtful, consistent, and creatively driving Dr. Interested’s mission forward. From research and writing to shaping public content, her work has helped youth around the world access knowledge, opportunities, and inspiration.
Dabosmita’s dedication shows that impact isn’t about age; it’s about commitment, creativity, and action.
Check out her amazing contributions on Instagram & LinkedIn.
🌍 Support & Join Us
Be part of a global online team, gain skills, volunteer recognition, and access exclusive opportunities:
- Experience working with an international youth organization
- Letters of recommendation from medical students
- Verified volunteer hours & national recognition
- Policy and research contributions to UN reports
Learn more: Join Us
Partner With Us: Email our Director of Events: ali@events.drinterested.org
Donate: E-transfer to finance@drinterested.org (add note to support a specific project)
More info: Sponsorships
📝 Recent Blog Posts
Phages in Your Gut: The Invisible Viruses That Shape Your Health
Health • November 25, 2025 • 6 min read
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What is Asthma? Understanding Causes, Triggers, and Management
Health • November 25, 2025 • 5 min read
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🎧 Recent Podcast Episode
Episode 7: The Hidden Risks of Teen Wellness Trends – By: Sarra
📅 Nov 10, 2025 | Dr. Interested Podcast
Sarra breaks down the real risks behind trending wellness habits. She looks at how pressure online can shape the way teens think about their bodies and health. She also shares quick tips to help students stay grounded and safe while still caring about their wellness.
Thanks for being part of this movement.
Whether you're applying, chatting, or sharing with friends, you’re helping shape the future of youth in medicine.
With gratitude,
The Dr. Interested Team
We acknowledge that while we operate online, our community is made up of people from diverse lands, cultures, and histories. We honour the Indigenous peoples and local communities worldwide who are the original stewards of their lands, and we are grateful to be able to learn, connect, and grow together across borders.
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