Pathway to Feinberg: Precious Akanyirige, MD, MPH (’23)

"Choosing Feinberg by Chance, Staying for Community"

Precious didn’t originally plan to come to Feinberg — in fact, she had never heard of it. Growing up in California and attending college in Texas, her initial knowledge of medical schools was limited. However, she knew she wanted to live in a big city, and Chicago fit the bill. Precious discovered Feinberg School of Medicine through a secondary application fee waiver sent by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) which she initially thought was spam mail.

“I didn’t know much about Northwestern until a friend from the Midwest encouraged me to apply. When I got the interview, I visited Feinberg and immediately felt like it was the right place for me.”

She recalls the interview day vividly and how it opened her eyes to the kind of support and resources Feinberg could offer. “After meeting my future roommate and best friend that day, I knew I had found a community that would give me what I needed to thrive.”

Memorable Experiences in Medical School:

During her time at Feinberg, Precious seized every opportunity for growth and community engagement. One of her most memorable experiences was a global health trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. For a month, she shadowed local clinicians, took Spanish lessons, and explored the city with other medical students. “It was incredible. We learned together, explored together, and built memories that will last a lifetime.”

Another highlight was her seven-month stay in Tanzania through the Global Health Research Fellowship. “That experience was life-changing. It was a blend of education, research, and cultural immersion. I wouldn't have had that opportunity without the support of Northwestern.”

But her fondest memories are rooted in community service and mentorship. Precious became deeply involved in student-led initiatives, such as the the Health Professions Recruitment & Exposure Program (HPREP) and the Student to Resident Institutional Vehicle for Excellence (STRIVE) Mentorship program. “Those moments, working with my classmates and serving the community, were incredibly inspiring. It was a privilege to see others shine and contribute.”

Finding Her Path in Anesthesiology:

Entering medical school, Precious thought she would pursue family medicine, a field she was exposed to while growing up. But her path took many turns as she explored different specialties, from internal medicine to orthopedic surgery. It wasn’t until the beginning of her fourth year that she found her passion in anesthesiology.

“Anesthesia combined everything I loved: the fast-paced environment, teamwork, and the ability to see immediate results. I’ve always been fascinated by physiology, and anesthesia allowed me to think deeply about it every day.”

Advice for Younger Mentees:

“Everyone is running their own race. Even if you and someone else have the same goals, your paths will be different. Don’t compare yourself — comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on your own growth, trust the process, and stay true to yourself.”

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Personal Commitment

For Precious, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential to her experience. “I’ve been reflecting on this since Dr. Brown gave a talk during our residency orientation. She defined diversity as representation—not just in terms of race or ethnicity, but in background, ideas, and every aspect of identity. We’re all multifaceted, and diversity means striving for representation in all those areas, knowing that we’ll never be perfect, but continuing to work toward it.

Inclusion means more than just bringing diverse people into a space; it’s about creating a safe environment where they can thrive and participate fully. It’s not enough to just invite people in—they need to feel that they belong and have the opportunity to lead and contribute meaningfully.

Equity means recognizing that different people need different levels and types of support. It’s not about treating everyone the same but rather about giving people what they need to succeed. Equity requires us to acknowledge our differences and actively work to provide the necessary support. It’s a challenge, but one worth pursuing.”

For Precious, DEI work is an ongoing, meaningful effort. "Feinberg School of Medicine, especially through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, has been instrumental in fostering a supportive culture. From faculty to students, there’s a strong sense of community, and that’s what’s made all the difference for me," she said.

Bonus Tip: Staying Informed

“Feinberg does a great job of keeping us engaged. There’s always communication about lectures and events, and it’s easy to access those resources. I recently set a goal to read at least one journal article per week in areas I’m interested in, like physiology, public health, and global health. I think that will help me stay informed and dive deeper into the subjects that matter most to me.”