Pre-Med, For the People

Swetha Pendela has spent the last four years exploring just about every corner of the University of Georgia. From research labs to orientation panels to the streets of Italy, she is a familiar face across the UGA campus.  

Pendela’s college journey has zigged and zagged through different clubs, majors, and international trips, but these unexpected turns have helped her find her direction. Now, a double major in biochemistry & molecular biology and international affairs, she’s finishing her applications to medical school. 

“I didn’t come into college knowing exactly what I wanted. It’s why I double majored. I wanted to cover all of my bases,” says Pendela. “I actually thought about a law degree first, but then I found medicine.” 

A Pre-Med Journey 

Pendela’s interest in neuroscience began in UGA’s physiology & pharmacology department. She joined a research lab focused on alcohol use disorder. Over the past two years, she’s studied how stress and substance abuse affect brain activity. 

“As much as I love my lab, I realized that’s not how I wanted to leave my mark,” says Pendela. “But working there was the turning point. It taught me about people and that I really like working with the brain, which is why I tuned into neuroscience.” 

As she continued to narrow down her future career, Pendela went to work as a medical scribe at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital, did clinical work at the Athens Heart Center, and volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital.  

She shadowed physicians and learned about patient care in real time. Pendela looked beyond the test tubes and the science. She learned the importance of empathy and community in a clinical setting. More importantly, she learned how she could use those skills to help people. 

“Those roles answered the bigger question I’d been asking about my future,” says Pendela. “I didn’t just want to study medicine. I wanted to practice it. I want people to be at the heart of everything I do.” 

The Proof is in the People 

After that, it didn’t take long for Pendela to nail down her future career as a pediatric neurologist. She has always invested deeply in community involvement focused on children, including Shop with a Bulldog and Books for Keeps.

“I genuinely get so much joy working with kids,” Pendela says. “They’re so full of hope. And sometimes they don’t even know exactly what they’re going through, which means you get to be a calm, steady support system for them and their families.” 

Pendela’s path through college hasn’t been linear. But that’s exactly what makes it meaningful. Research opened the door to neuroscience. Clinical work deepened her interest in medicine. Mentorship with children confirmed her passion for pediatrics.  

Pendela’s work is driven by human connections, whether it’s children in a hospital or students navigating their first day on campus. 

As an Orientation Leader in 2024, Pendela welcomed thousands of students and families to campus. Supporting others through uncertain transitions comes naturally to her. She says that doing so as an Orientation Leader shaped her into the person she is today. 

Growing Through Study Abroad 

Pendela’s leadership on campus is as wide-ranging as it is impactful. She’s president of the Genetics Club, an Honors Ambassador, and Vice President of Blue Key Honor Society. 

“I don’t think that I would be as confident or as good of a public speaker or as comfortable with talking to strangers without these opportunities,” she says. “It really helped me break out of my comfort zone and seek out more.” 

But some of her most transformative moments happened far from Athens. In 2025, Pendela studied abroad during a Maymester in Cortona, Italy. She took courses in biology and art history and learned as much about herself as she did the Renaissance.  

“People always say studying abroad changes you, and now I believe it,” says Pendela. The ‘me’ before that trip was a completely different person than I am now. It changed how I look at myself. It will certainly change the way I look at my patients and how I care for them.” 

Whether she is mentoring children or guiding nervous new students, Pendela consistently seeks experiences that push her beyond her comfort zone and into moments of personal connection. For her, it has always been people that have left the biggest impact.  “I make sure to tell anyone that comes to UGA to be open to new friends and new connections,” says Pendela. “You’re going to meet people who are different from you, who will open doors to incredible experiences. Make sure to walk through every one.”