Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rajeeka Singh Tak. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rajeeka Singh , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Yes, there was a defining moment that truly changed the trajectory of my career. It happened during the early stages of co-founding GIMSOC. The moment came after several months of rejection and frustration. We were relentlessly pursuing support from universities and hospitals, but all we encountered were closed doors. There was a point where it felt like the dream we were working toward was slipping away, and the idea of giving up was tempting.

But then, I had an epiphany: the only way to make this work was to redefine success on our own terms. It wasn’t going to be handed to us easily. We would have to build it ourselves, brick by brick. This realization didn’t just change the course of GIMSOC; it changed my entire outlook on my career and my approach to challenges.

I understood that setbacks weren’t failures—they were simply opportunities for growth and learning. It became clear to me that persistence, passion, and a deep belief in your purpose were the only things that would sustain you through tough times. As Dr. Paul Kalanithi once wrote, “The most meaningful way to live a life is to find your purpose and pursue it with passion—regardless of how long it takes to get there.”

That moment taught me a powerful lesson: when you truly believe in something, you find the strength to keep pushing, even when it feels impossible. It also showed me the importance of having a long-term vision and trusting the process, even when immediate results aren’t visible. This mindset shift became the foundation for everything I’ve done since then, and it’s something I carry with me in my career every day.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Dr. Rajeeka Singh Tak, and my journey in medicine has been both deeply rewarding and full of challenges. I started my medical journey at New Vision University in Tbilisi, Georgia, where I had the opportunity to study with students from all around the world. It was here that I realized the power of community and networking among medical students. As an international student in Georgia, however, I quickly encountered a significant barrier—the overwhelming language difference. Many of the workshops, conferences, and networking events were conducted in Georgian, which created a huge challenge for us non-native speakers. My co-founder, Dr. Onyekachi Emmanuel Anyagwa, and I often found ourselves discussing how amazing it would be if there were an inclusive platform that provided international medical students in Georgia with easy access to educational opportunities and networking, without the language barrier.

Through countless conversations, we both came to the conclusion that there was a deep need for an organization that could bridge these gaps. That’s when we decided to create the Georgian International Medical Students Society (GIMSOC). Our goal was to provide a platform where international medical students could attend workshops, conferences, and educational events, all at little to no cost. We understood that access to quality medical education and global networking shouldn’t be limited by language or financial constraints, so we made sure that GIMSOC would be open to all students, with events in English to break down language barriers.

What sets GIMSOC apart is its dedication to inclusivity and accessibility. We’re not just about providing free or low-cost educational opportunities, we’re also about creating a supportive, global community for medical students. We host a variety of events—from workshops to conferences—where students can learn from renowned experts in their field, network with peers from around the world, and gain skills that will help them in their future careers. Whether it’s access to the latest research, hands-on skills workshops, or discussions on global medical issues, GIMSOC aims to be a hub where international students feel empowered to grow.

I’m most proud of the fact that GIMSOC has become a place where students from all backgrounds can come together, learn, and grow without barriers. What started as a dream between two friends—Dr. Onyekachi and myself—has turned into a thriving community that is now helping hundreds of students realize their potential. I want everyone to know that GIMSOC is more than just an organization; it’s a family where international medical students can connect, share experiences, and access invaluable resources. Our mission is simple—breaking down barriers to education, ensuring access to the best medical learning experiences, and creating a collaborative global network that supports students throughout their journey.

Through this journey, I’ve learned the power of persistence and the importance of having a vision that is bigger than yourself. GIMSOC is built on the idea that every student deserves equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of where they come from. And that’s what drives me every day.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Dr. Onyekachi Emmanuel Anyagwa: During the season of building GIMSOC with my Co-founder, Dr. Rajeeka Singh Tak , a lot of obstacles occurred that threatened to end our dream of building this organization, especially as non-natives of the country. The administrative team of universities in the country had no idea what an organization like this would serve to students, no matter how much we presented them with facts and its relevance to the university and its students as large. We would attend multiple meetings with a lot of “no” or “come back in a few months”, with no positive meetings. On some days, we would spend the entire day going from university to university, just to be faced with rejection. We weren’t getting the support we needed and each rejection seemed like a chance to put the dream behind. Some days were harder than others and we kept chasing down universities, hospitals and companies for 3 years. We kept pushing every day for 3 years; through sleepless nights, multiple rejections and endless disappointments until we learnt how to give ourselves the yes we needed.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Dr Rajeeka Singh Tak: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu

This quote perfectly encapsulates a lesson I had to unlearn early in my career. When I co-founded GIMSOC, I naively believed that success would come quickly if we worked hard enough. I thought that because we had a clear vision, the process of making it happen would be straightforward. However, the reality was far different. We faced numerous rejections, language barriers, and logistical challenges. It often felt like no matter how much effort we put in, success was just out of reach.

It was in these moments of frustration that I had to unlearn the belief that progress should be immediate. I realized that building something meaningful takes time, patience, and a lot of persistence. The constant setbacks were not failures; they were stepping stones that helped shape our vision and refined our approach. As Dr. Atul Gawande said, “The most important thing is to keep moving forward.” This became my guiding mantra. I learned that slow progress is still progress, and the key is to keep moving forward, no matter how small the steps may seem.

Unlearning the need for instant results gave me the space to focus on the bigger picture and embrace the journey. It taught me that success isn’t about avoiding failure, but about learning from it and continuing to push forward with resilience and purpose. This shift in mindset has been instrumental in everything I do now, whether it’s with GIMSOC or my medical career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gimsoc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gimsoc_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073323721044
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgian-international-medical-student-society-855285270/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/gimsoc21

Image Credits

Image credits to : Afnan Azad , Trident Georgia, and Mariamy chrdileli