Churchill College offers more than academic excellence β itβs a place where postgraduate students grow, explore new ideas, and discover unexpected paths.
For Karishma Muthukumar, a former public policy student at Churchill, her time at the College was nothing short of life-changing.
βIt was one of the most transformative, meaningful years of my life.β
Karishma Muthukumar
Connecting Policy and Medicine
Karishma arrived at Churchill with curiosity and an open mind. Here Karishma began to see how her interests in medicine and policy could come together. Today, sheβs a second-year medical student in the U.S., at Vanderbilt University, using her policy background to think differently about healthcare.
Her studies in public policy helped her understand how broader systems and technologies shape health outcomes. These systems include healthcare infrastructure, access to services, public health funding, education, housing, and employment β all of which influence how and why people get sick, and how they recover. For example, policy decisions about transport can affect how easily someone gets to a hospital, while housing conditions can impact the spread of disease.
While medicine often focuses on individual patients and public policy looks at populations, both disciplines require empathy, listening, and the ability to understand diverse needs. As Karishma says, βPatient care and policy both involve meeting people where they are.β
Bringing Value
By learning how systems interact, Karishma gained a deeper understanding of the social and structural factors behind emerging technologies. She launched a global study, drawing insights on AI across 64 countries, including governments, industry, UN agencies, civil society, international organizations, and academia. In 2024, she was invited to present her findings at the UN in Geneva at the AI for Good Global Summit.
Her ability to connect systems-level thinking with patient care is already proving valuable. Now, in medical school, sheβs able to approach clinical problems with a wider lens β thinking not just about biology, but about the context in which health and illness occur. This dual perspective is helping her think more creatively about solutions to improve healthcare outcomes.
βAs I packed my suitcases at the end of an incredible year, I reflected on what I would bring with me wherever I would go: a lifetime of memories and an enthusiasm for adventure. The community transformed me as a person and as a scholar.β
Lasting impact
One year on from her time at Cambridge, Karishma is still in touch with many of the friends she made here. The shared experience of studying and living together created strong bonds that continue across time zones and continents.
These relationships are part of what made her time so special β and continue to support her as she moves forward in her career.
The welcoming environment gave Karishma the space to grow and explore new hobbies. She joined the Churchill/Christβs/Lucy Cavendish joint College football team β despite never having played before.
βIt felt like a village around me. You can venture beyond your comfort zone and feel supported.“
Even a rainy football match became a cherished memory. βWe kept running, water and laughter streaming down our faces in the downpour,β she recalls. βIt was fun, spontaneous, and so true to the spirit of the College.β
Choosing a College for Postgraduate Study
For those considering postgraduate study at Cambridge, Karishma recommends speaking to alumni. Choosing a college from afar can feel daunting β but there are ways to get a real sense of the community.
Postgraduate study at Churchill isnβt just about academic growth β itβs about gaining perspective, building lasting connections, and learning to navigate complex challenges with confidence. It gave her tools sheβs now using in medical school and a network that continues to support her. For students ready to push boundaries and think differently, Churchill College is a place that encourages exploration, supports growth, and equips students with perspectives they carry forward into their careers.