130. San Antonio Teen Bridges Global Healthcare Gaps Through Access to Specialist Knowledge — ASK

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we meet Ariana Chaudhary, a San Antonio high school student and founder of Access to Specialist Knowledge (ASK), a nonprofit connecting frontline doctors in underserved regions around the world with volunteer U.S. medical specialists. Ariana launched ASK at 14 after witnessing first-hand the challenges faced by healthcare providers in Uganda. Now 17 and a student at Health Careers High School, she leads an organization that has facilitated more than 35,000 medical consultations across sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and South America.Cory Ames, producer of bigcitysmalltown, sits down with Ariana to discuss how her global perspective has influenced local action, the realities of building a nonprofit as a teenager, and the ongoing impact of San Antonio’s health and research community on her work.They discuss:• Ariana’s journey from a single clinic in Uganda to a global network of healthcare providers• The role of San Antonio’s medical community in supporting ASK’s rapid growth• How local gaps in healthcare access echo global disparities—and Ariana’s efforts to address both• What’s next for ASK as Ariana prepares for college and the future of the organizationFind out how a young San Antonian is using local resources and global connections to improve healthcare delivery where it’s needed most.RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶️ #122. The Scientist Who Transformed Texas Biomed—and San Antonio’s Scientific Standing – Discover how visionary leadership and science can change a city’s trajectory. Host Bob Rivard talks with Dr. Larry Schlesinger about elevating Texas Biomed, navigating research funding challenges, and battling public health misinformation—all while strengthening San Antonio’s national standing as a hub for biomedical innovation.-- -- CONNECT📸 Connect on Instagram🔗 Join us on LinkedIn🎥 Subscribe on YouTubeSPONSORS🙌 Support the show & see our sponsorsTHANK YOU⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⭐ Rate us on Spotify