Sruthy Balakumar

Sruthy Balakumar is a fourth-year student at the University of Toronto, specializing in Human Biology, Health Studies, and an Indigenous Minor. With strong leadership and communication skills, Sruthy has extensive experience in healthcare and research environments, including research assistant roles at Toronto General Hospital and Princess Margaret Cancer Center. Sruthy recently led a systematic review exploring the connection between COPD and patent foramen ovale (PFO), aiming to enhance the understanding and management of COPD worldwide. Additionally, she contributes to the Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance (CCHA) as a volunteer and content creator, working on patient-centered resources like MyCHD Handbook and leading social media awareness initiatives. Sruthy is especially interested in Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), as she focuses on improving health outcomes and access to resources, especially for underserved populations. Her work with systematic reviews and patient-centered initiatives informs future global health goals by contributing data-driven insights and practical solutions for equitable healthcare access and patient empowerment.