Humza Khan: From UCLA pre-med to Stanford MD/PhD
John Mason
When Humza Khan started UCLA in 2017, he wasn’t that different from a lot of other incoming undergrads: interested in science, thinking about medicine, and trying to figure out how to make all of it work. But somehow, between then and now, he ended up in Stanford’s MD/PhD program through the MSTP, which is… obviously not an easy thing to do. Talking to him made me realize that his path wasn’t some perfectly planned-out checklist, even though it can look that way from the outside.
At UCLA, Humza majored in MIMG and pretty much said yes to anything that let him explore both science and medicine. He quickly got involved in research in pediatric immunology because he knew early on he was interested in a career in pediatrics. He describes that experience as one of the most meaningful parts of his time at UCLA, not just because it looked good on applications, but because it helped him confirm that he actually liked working in that field. He also got involved in the Bruin Experiment, where he worked with younger students and helped introduce them to STEM concepts like the scientific method, which he describes as surprisingly rewarding. On top of that, he volunteered at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where he gained clinical experience by surveying patients and tracking their recovery, something he says really helped him understand the human side of medicine more clearly.
Another experience that shaped Humza’s perspective was the UCLA B.I.G. (Bruins-In-Genomics) Summer Program, which he describes as a turning point in his pre-med journey. Before that, computational biology and data science felt abstract and intimidating. Through the program’s hands-on training and interactive courses, he started to see how computer science and biology actually work together in real research settings. Working on his own research and presenting a poster helped Humza feel that he was genuinely “doing science” rather than just learning about it. He emphasizes that programs like this aren’t just résumé boosters. They change how you think about science. Instead of seeing it as something you memorize for exams, you begin to understand it as a constantly evolving process that you can actually contribute to. That shift played a huge role in motivating him to continue on this path, even when things felt competitive or overwhelming.
Because programs like this are so beneficial to pre-med students, getting into one can be extremely difficult. When asked what Humza thought was important for getting into programs like these, his answer was surprisingly simple: sincerity. What makes applicants stand out isn’t perfect stats or saying the “right” things, but showing unwavering passion and care. Whether it’s a summer program or a research lab, he believes faculty can easily detect when someone is genuinely excited versus just trying to check a box.
While Humza has experienced a lot of success, he is also very honest about rejection. Humza made it clear that not everything worked out the first time, and that rejection is an inevitable part of the process. What mattered more was not letting those setbacks stop him from continuing to apply and explore new opportunities. UCLA, he said, actually has a lot of resources to support students in STEM, but they only help if you actively use them. Joining organizations, getting involved in research, and talking to people who are already doing what you’re interested in all made a difference for him.
While research experiences played a huge role in Humza’s pre-med journey, having a balanced lifestyle was a big priority for him. He didn’t treat college like a four-year marathon grind: instead, he worked hard when necessary, but also made time to actually enjoy being in college, which is something many pre-meds don’t always give themselves permission to do. He acknowledged that pre-med and other STEM tracks can feel overwhelming, but he strongly believes students shouldn’t take every setback too seriously. College is one of the few times in life where you have the freedom to explore, make mistakes, and still recover from them. While academics are important, Humza stresses that enjoying your undergraduate years is just as valuable. Looking back, he feels that finding balance is what made his achievements feel meaningful rather than exhausting. His story isn’t about doing everything perfectly, it’s about staying curious, being persistent, and allowing yourself the space to grow along the way.
Relevant websites: Humza Khan | LinkedIn, Bruins-In-Genomics (B.I.G.) Summer Program – Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences
