Meet the Core Team

Introducing our core team at Universal Medicine!


Prashan Balendran: I’m a medical student from the University of Birmingham with a keen interest in writing. I am a writer, editor, and recruitment representative for the blog. Having previously been a writer and editor for a political blog, I’m excited to offer my experience to the team and get back into writing some interesting pieces for you all to read! I joined Universal Medicine to discuss topics within medicine that we wouldn’t usually have the opportunity to explore in-depth within the course, as well as broadening both my own and your knowledge of the areas of medicine we are not familiar with.


Somya Sharma: I’m a medical student at the University of Birmingham, and one of the writers and graphics representatives for the blog. I got involved with Universal Medicine to explore exciting and emerging topics within the field of medicine. Now, I look forward to building up a platform where such knowledge can be shared with my peers in a fun, interactive, and accessible way.


Piollo Cabada: I’m a medical student at the University of Birmingham, and writer and maintenance rep for our blog. As broad as medicine is, there's so much more to learn than what is covered in the curriculum. I also enjoy learning about the little things I see in day-to-day life. I would like to use this blog as a way to explore the more unorthodox lessons the world can teach us, hopefully bringing you along for the ride.

Vicale Alfanti: I am a medical student and one of the writers and editors for the blog. I am originally from Northampton and studying in Leicester. My experience writing for the blog has allowed me to delve into the many areas of medicine and consider intricacies of different medical specialties. I have learned to appreciate both the incredible advancements made in recent years but also how medicine must still evolve to ensure all can have a good quality of life. I hope you enjoy reading our posts!

Matthew Downes: I am a Mathematics student at Leeds University and communications lead for the blog. I joined the blog to help educate others on leading issues within the scientific field and improve my own understanding of the forefront of medical research.


Gagandeep Sachdeva: I am a medical student at the Univesity of Birmingham, core team lead and co-founder of Universal Medicine.

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