Four BASIS Charter Schools Students Earn Coveted Spots in Accelerated Medical Program at University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson

The program offers high school seniors early, conditional admission to medical school—without the need to take the MCAT—provided they meet rigorous academic and professional requirements during their undergraduate years.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BASIS Charter Schools, a network of award-winning, tuition-free public schools serving grades K–12, is proud to announce that four students from its 2025 graduating class have been selected for the University of Arizona's prestigious Accelerated Pathway to Medical Education (APME) program–earning four of the 10 total spots available this year.

The university projects an estimated 600 additional primary care physicians are needed to meet current needs, and 2,000 more will be needed by 2030 to serve Arizona's growing population. The APME program enables students to pursue a seven-year track from undergraduate studies to medical school, to help fill this pressing need.

"We are thrilled that four of our students earned placement in this highly competitive program," said Chief Executive Officer, BASIS Ed Arizona Carolyn McGarvey. "It speaks volumes about the strength of our academic model and the character of our students."

APME offers high school seniors early, conditional admission to medical school—without the need to take the MCAT—provided they meet rigorous academic and professional requirements during their undergraduate years. The program attracts hundreds of applicants annually from across the country.

"We are honored to welcome these exceptional students from BASIS Charter Schools into the APME program," said Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of the Comprehensive Education Center, College of Medicine – Tucson Tejal M. Parikh MD. "Their academic excellence, leadership and deep commitment to service embody the very values we champion at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. As future physicians, they represent the next generation of leaders who will advance the health and wellness of our community and beyond. Through their journey they will help drive the relentless innovation that defines our pursuit of excellence and our mission to transform lives through education, research and compassionate patient care."

The four students represent BASIS campuses across the state, coming from BASIS Phoenix, BASIS Oro Valley, BASIS Peoria, and BASIS Tucson North. BASIS Charter Schools in Arizona span 23 campuses providing world-class public and tuition-free K-12 education since 1998.

Nishita Karikatti, a graduate BASIS Oro Valley is a nationally recognized STEM scholar, mental health advocate, and community volunteer, who will major in physiology and medical sciences with a minor in Spanish. She plans to pursue clinical research and global health work, with long-term goals to found a nonprofit focused on women's health and underserved communities.

"I'm incredibly grateful to my BASIS Oro Valley teachers and mentors who challenged and supported me every step of the way," said Nishita. "This opportunity brings me one step closer to bridging gaps in access to healthcare, particularly in rural and mental health services."

Sudeep Vattikuti, a graduate of BASIS Peoria excelled in the school's rigorous science curriculum and became a nationally ranked debater where he sharpened communication and critical thinking skills that set him apart in the competitive medical school admissions process. He hopes to pursue a career in ophthalmology, where he can directly improve patients' lives through surgical care to restore vision.

"Medicine is about helping people, but it's also about listening, communicating, and problem-solving—skills I've worked hard to develop both in the classroom and through competitive debate," said Sudeep.

Karthik Ainapurapu, a graduate of BASIS Tucson North was inspired by early exposure to healthcare through his parents, a pivotal AP Psychology class, and hands-on experience volunteering at a clinic for the unhoused. Karthik is committed to serving Southern Arizona as a future physician and hopes to practice in underserved communities while mentoring the next generation of healthcare providers as a clinician educator.

Karthik said, "I've always known I wanted to serve the community that raised me, and this program gives me the chance to turn my passion for medicine into real impact."

About BASIS Charter Schools:
BASIS Charter Schools offer a nationally acclaimed, rigorous liberal arts and STEM-focused education. With campuses across multiple states and a history of preparing students for top colleges and careers, BASIS emphasizes intellectual curiosity, civic responsibility, and global citizenship.

SOURCE BASIS Charter Schools