Farragut’s Khan honored as UT Torchbearer
“I am honored and humbled to be named a Torchbearer,” she said. “I view the Torchbearer Award as a lifelong legacy, which I hope to personify and uphold in all of my future endeavors.
“I am hopeful that I continue to foster environments of growth and progress, particularly in relation to combatting medical disparities and inequalities,” Khan added. “As an alumna of the University of Tennessee, I also wish to inspire and uplift other students to reach their highest potential.”
“Each year, a group of students who embody the Volunteer spirit are named Torchbearers in recognition of their commitment to service, outstanding leadership and academic achievement,” a UT press release stated.
Khan is studying biological sciences and finance with a collateral in economics in the Chancellor’s Honors Program.
Khan graduated from L&N STEM Academy in May 2018.
“The L&N STEM Academy has been integral to my future successes,” she said. “Its faculty and staff are committed to the long-term success of their students. Its curriculum and resources are also unmatched.”
The chosen students learned of their selection through an on-campus surprise visit by the Chancellor’s Cabinet, according to the press release.
For Khan, the visit came during a late-March general body meeting of Student Advocates for Medicine in Politics, a student non-profit organization she founded in January 2021 that focuses on amplifying and accelerating worldwide medical equality by mobilizing local communities with education and outreach.
“I was thoroughly surprised by the Chancellor’s Cabinet, especially after seeing their entrance with my friends, professors and mentors — all of whom were instrumental to my on– and off–campus achievements,” Khan said. “I was overwhelmed with emotion, ranging from astonishment to gratefulness.
“I was very thankful to be celebrated and surrounded by such amazing people.”
“The Torchbearer is the highest student honor conferred by the University of Tennessee,” the press release stated. “The Torchbearer is awarded for academic achievement and outstanding commitment to others, demonstrated by the student’s various activities and significant contributions to the university and community.”
UT Torchbearers were invited to attend the Chancellor’s Honors Banquet in May, where they received a medallion and plaque.
A UT student since August 2018, “I will be joining Genesis Neuroscience Clinic as lead medical assistant and clinical researcher in July 2022,” Khan said. “The nonprofit medical clinic aims to provide comprehensive community care for those with cognitive disorders and neurodegenerative dementias.
“I am currently training to supervise the New IDEAS Study, among other research projects.” she added. “… The study is designed to account for neurodegenerative patients in underserved communities, many of whom are typically overlooked in Alzheimer’s disease research.
”I ultimately hope to pursue an MD/MBA dual–certification to begin a nonprofit medical clinic for underserved and uninsured populations,” she added.
