PARSIPPANY — In rural communities across the world, iron deficiency and anemia quietly affects millions, many of whom never receive a diagnosis. In Parsippany, families facing food insecurity often have nowhere to turn on a Sunday afternoon.
Medical Cadets, a youth-led New Jersey nonprofit corporation, is tackling these disparities.
Founded in 2024 and now operating across the United States, Canada, India, and Egypt, Medical Cadets has already touched more than 18,000 lives through on-the-ground health programs, community outreach, and targeted awareness campaigns. The organization is led by Founder and CEO Aaditya Jain alongside COO Abdalrahman Aboulmaged and a full director-level team spanning multiple countries. The full team is listed by clicking here.
Rooted in the belief that healthcare is a human right, not a privilege, the organization breaks its mission into annual, targeted campaigns backed by real community action.
On the Ground, Across the World
In India, Medical Cadets has launched active anemia and iron deficiency drives targeting rural, underserved communities, combining direct outreach, health education, and coordination with local leaders. These are not awareness campaigns from afar. The team is on the ground, in communities, doing the work.
Back in New Jersey, the chapter runs food drives, restaurant food recovery programs, and nutrition education sessions in elementary schools, partnering with local UNICEF chapters to make sure food and resources reach the families who need them most.
Small Actions, Massive Results
To fund its programs, Medical Cadets runs creative grassroots campaigns that directly engage the community:
- Community Car Wash: The team raised over $1,000 in under eight hours, bringing together local volunteers for a single afternoon of action.
- Artisan Goods & Cultural Events: The organization sells American-Indian fusion clothing and handmade goods sourced from artisans in India at South Asian cultural events, Garba nights, Diwali expos, and Navratri festivals, funding health programs while supporting livelihoods abroad.
- Digital Advocacy: Members design and publish educational social media content raising awareness on issues like childhood malnutrition and anemia while managing online donation channels.
- Professional Collaboration: The team actively partners with local pediatricians, nutritionists, and doctors to secure clinical expertise and community credibility.
The organization also received a $3,000 grant from the IB Global Youth Action Fund, competitive international recognition that validates both the mission and the model. Altogether, they have been able to raise $12,000+.
Expanding Opportunities for Student Leaders
Some local members from Parsippany High School: Ryan Cobeo, Ajayrathanam Rajarathnam, Cooper Otinsky, Ryan Rigor, Abdalrahman Aboulmaged, Nitin Venkatiahgari, Rutva Amin, James Melluse, Nisha Patel, Dhara Patel, Krishi Shah, and Lilah Merrick.
Medical Cadets is not just looking for helping hands, it is a launchpad for young people pursuing careers in healthcare, science, and nonprofit leadership. Students can plug into four core branches:
- Internship Programs: Hands-on experience managing health campaigns, large-scale fundraising, and nonprofit operations
- Educational Workshops: Interactive sessions where students explore real-world medical skills and healthcare career paths
- Scientific Research: Students investigate pressing global health challenges and develop science-backed solutions
- Community Lectures: Educational talks spreading preventative health knowledge across neighborhoods
What’s Next
As summer approaches, Medical Cadets is gearing up for health workshops, expanded food drives, and community walkathons to promote wellness and raise medical aid funds. Plans are also underway to grow the Canada chapter under new student leadership.
How to Support or Join
Medical Cadets is actively seeking volunteers, student interns, and partnerships with healthcare professionals.
- Volunteer or intern: Register at medicalcadets.org
- Donate: medicalcadets.org/donate
- Follow along: @medical_cadets_ on Instagram
