A passion for languages may seem like a rare attribute for a physician, but for Kamal Amirneni of UofL’s Class of 2025, language is an ideal complement to practicing medicine.
“I love the process of learning a language. One word or grammatical structure unlocks a whole array of thoughts and feelings that can be expressed,” he said.
An aspiring physician, Amirneni believes an understanding of multiple languages and cultures will help him connect with a diverse range of patients, whether they speak Spanish, Hindi or his native language, Telugu, spoken in southern India.
Amirneni’s desire to provide compassionate medical care for people from different cultures drove him to complete his Bachelor of Arts in both Biology and Spanish from UofL’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Originally from Aldie, VA, Amirneni solidified the language skills he studied at UofL through study abroad programs in Mexico and India, as well as a medical Spanish immersion program in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His experience in a Spanish-speaking hospital environment while in Buenos Aires provided him with practical knowledge that will particularly apply to the medical field.
“Being in a hospital where people spoke only Spanish was crucial for understanding how words are used in real life. Shadowing in another language would only be possible while abroad,” Amirneni said.
The real-life application of his language skills in a medical setting allowed him to grasp medical terms and colloquial language that are essential for effective patient care. The chance to observe firsthand the benefits of public health initiatives in Buenos Aires also inspired Amirneni to pursue public health as well as medicine.
“Being part of Argentina’s public health care system cemented my desire to work on health policy,” he said.
As a result, Amirneni plans to earn a dual medical doctor and master of public health degree (MD/MPH) at the University of Miami. In fact, part of the reason he chose Miami was because of the city’s large and diverse population, which will offer additional immersive experience with multiple languages and cultures.
While at UofL, Amirneni shared his expertise in study abroad programs with other UofL students by working as a peer adviser in the Office of Study Abroad and International Travel. He also provided academic support for students in biology and chemistry as a structured learning assistant at REACH.
“It’s great to connect with younger students and converting complicated topics into an understandable form,” he said.
He also worked as a substitute teacher for JCPS, where his favorite classes to teach were English as a Second Language. He said the Spanish-speaking students were always excited to chat with him in their own language.
In recognition of his academic excellence, campus activities and community service, Amirneni was one of two seniors who received the 2025 Cardinal Award from the Student Activities Board.
Learn more about UofL’s study abroad opportunities.
