The diversity of Urbana-Champaign "makes practicing medicine all the more interesting," Dr. Paul said.

"I treat each one from the perspective of learning and understanding them better in terms of their culture. I am looking forward to establishing the new family medicine practice in Urbana and making it a place where patients feel like they are treated as individuals and not numbers."

Working with the underprivileged in India inspired Dr. Paul to go into medicine.

"It was the start of a passion that drives me to help another human being just for the sake of uplifting them in some way," she said. "The big draw for me, personally, was the kids – the ones who did not have basic needs or proper medical care."

Dr. Paul and her husband have a son and daughter. When not working, she enjoys singing, learning new languages and reading. She also volunteers at a local free clinic.