Brookfield Central Class of 2015

Gopika SenthilKumar graduated from Brookfield Central in 2015 and is currently completing her medical training in the prestigious Medical Scientist Training Program (MD-PhD) at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Her journey from high school student leader to aspiring surgeon-scientist reflects an inspiring commitment to service, education, and innovation - values nurtured during her years in the Elmbrook Schools.

Though Gopika joined Brookfield Central as a new student in her junior year, she quickly became a powerhouse of impact and involvement. She founded and captained the school’s Mock Trial team, helped launch a chapter of Junior Statesmen of America, and initiated the “Donate Your Age to United Way” philanthropy campaign - an effort that won her the Inaugural Philanthropic Youth Award from United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. She was later invited to serve on the United Way campaign cabinet and even interned with the organization to lead a countywide school supply drive.

Gopika credits her success in large part to the support and mentorship she received in Elmbrook. “The incredible mentorship I received from my teachers, and the career guidance from my counselor, Mr. Greg Groh, truly shaped my path,” she shared. “I am grateful for Mr. Gruetzmacher’s support and Mr. Jon Vogt championed our new Mock Trial team and taught me presentation and leadership skills that I still use today.” These relationships offered her stability, support, and a sense of belonging during a time of personal transition.

After high school, Gopika attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where she earned a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering with Highest Distinction. Her undergraduate research with Dr. Randall Kimple sparked her interest in becoming a physician-scientist - a path that balances her passion for patient care with scientific discovery. During her time at UW, she was invited to give a TEDx Talk titled Education for a Fast-Changing Future.

At MCW, Gopika completed her PhD in Physiology with Dr. Julie Freed in 2024, and graduated with the Summa Cum Laude Prize. Along the way, she has embraced leadership roles on national committees with organizations such as the Association of Women Surgeons and the Society of Asian Academic Surgeons. She has organized mentorship programs and educational events reaching hundreds of students and serves on editorial boards of prestigious journals. She notes that the mentorship she received from Dr. Freed has been instrumental in driving her success and passion for the field. She is now in the clinical phase of her MD training and preparing to apply for general surgery residency programs.

Outside her academic and clinical responsibilities, Gopika stays deeply connected to the Milwaukee community. She volunteers at free clinics, hosts free career advising sessions, and collaborates with her sister, Sadhaya (a current Brookfield Central student), on a grassroots outreach initiative to combat cardiometabolic disease among South Asians. Their work involves organizing culturally relevant health education events and partnering with local organizations to address stigma and health disparities.

Gopika’s drive is rooted in personal loss. “Losing friends early in life made me realize the limitations of medicine,” she said. “I want to be part of improving that. Medicine lets me connect with patients in meaningful ways, and research gives me the tools to push boundaries and shape the future of healthcare.”

Gopika SenthilKumar continues to embody the excellence, empathy, and leadership that define the Elmbrook legacy. Her story serves as an inspiration to future graduates who dream of making a difference—in medicine, in science, and in their communities.

You can read Gopika’s scholarly works here.