Grads at a Glance: Health Advocate on Track Toward a Career in Medicine

A young woman with long gold-brown hair smiles for a portrait wearing a black graduation gown. Around her neck, she is wearing a blue and white cord, a medal hung on a purple and gold ribbon, and a purple sash that says “Spellman Scholar.” She is standing outside with a blooming lilac bush and greening springs tree in the background. The Catskill mountains are visible off in the distance.
2026 UAlbany grad Pratiksha Malayil majored in public health with a minor in biology. Her next stop: medical school. (Photo by Grace Link '27)

By Erin Frick

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 12, 2026) — ­University at Albany senior Pratiksha Malayil was drawn to UAlbany for its nationally-renowned public health program and longstanding partnership with the New York State Department of Health. When she started as a freshman, Malayil was navigating uncertainty around her identity and sense of belonging. Four years later, she's graduating as an accomplished campus leader, a global health advocate and a future medical student.  

Graduate Pratiksha Malayil. Major, Public Health. Minor, Biology. Hometown, Long Island, N.Y. Next Steps: SUNY Upstate Medical University.

“My time at UAlbany has completely shaped who I am as a person,” Malayil said. “Throughout my years here, I have proven so much to myself. I found an amazing group of friends who are more like family. I went from struggling and utilizing campus mental health resources, to helping shape how they are distributed, and encouraging use of innovative new platforms, like TimelyCare, which gives students access to counseling and medical care around the clock.

“One of the most meaningful events that I took part in every year was the annual Out of the Darkness Walk. My freshman year, I attended to give myself hope for a brighter future. My senior year, I was on the walk committee, led the walk and poured sand in commemoration of my struggle. It felt like I had truly grown into myself and learned how to make the most of my life.”

As part of the Upstate Accelerated Scholars Program, Malayil knew from the start that she wanted to go into medicine. Studying public health gave purpose to her path. In particular, she said, Professor John Justino’s Global Health course shaped her understanding of what it means to be a global citizen. With Justino’s encouragement, Malayil joined the Peace Corps Prep program, earning a health certification while learning that medicine is about so much more than clinical care. 

At UAlbany, Malayil has grown as a person and leader, climbing through the ranks of student organizations and ultimately serving as president of the Disabled Student Union, director of disability and health for the UAlbany Student Association, and membership chair of Democracy Matters. She also found community as a member of the Musical Theatre Association and, off campus, enjoyed jazz nights and midweek karaoke.

“So many of my favorite memories at UAlbany have centered around the activities I did and the people I met through them,” Malayil said. “There are so many student groups and clubs here, which makes it easy to find your people. It has been amazing to create community at UAlbany in so many different and beautiful ways.”

Following a gap year, which she plans to spend working, Malayil will begin medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Fall 2027.