What began as a volunteer moment in a medical school ultrasound class turned into a life-changing discovery for third year medical student, Hannah Schultz — one that reshaped her health, education and future career path.
Schultz learned she had a rare congenital kidney condition after volunteering as a practice patient during a second-year ultrasound lab at the ҹɫÊÓƵ School of Medicine (UNR Med). The finding ultimately led to two major reconstructive kidney surgeries and a newfound passion for urology.
During the class, students practiced ultrasound techniques on one another under faculty supervision. Schultz volunteered for a kidney scan. Her right kidney appeared normal, but when the probe moved to the left side, the image revealed a large area of fluid buildup.
“At first we thought maybe we just weren’t doing it right,” Schultz said. “It was our first time learning.”
When faculty took a closer look, the concern grew. While the classroom ultrasound machines were not intended for diagnostic use, the image clearly showed abnormal fluid accumulation. Schultz was advised to seek follow-up imaging through her primary care provider. Further testing revealed the cause: hydronephrosis resulting from a congenital ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, a condition in which urine cannot properly drain from the kidney due to a narrowing where the ureter meets the renal pelvis. In Schultz’s case, the obstruction was caused by two crossing blood vessels compressing the ureter over time.
Although the condition is present from birth, symptoms may not appear until years later.
“I kept thinking, ‘Why am I 24 and just finding this out?’” Schultz said. “But sometimes it just doesn’t cause problems until it does.”
Within weeks of the initial discovery, Schultz underwent her first pyeloplasty, a reconstructive surgery to remove the obstruction and restore drainage. The procedure took place in March, less than two months after the ultrasound class, while Schultz was still completing her preclinical coursework. The surgery was successful, but complications followed. Schultz required an emergency procedure when a ureteral stent became displaced. Later, after the stent was removed, symptoms returned, suggesting continued obstruction. Despite ongoing pain and uncertainty, Schultz pressed forward, balancing medical treatment with studying for exams.
Imaging suggested continued impaired drainage, possibly due to redundant tissue in the renal pelvis or decreased peristaltic activity of the kidney itself. With symptoms persisting, Schultz opted for a second reconstructive surgery in October during her third-year clinical rotations. The second pyeloplasty was more extensive and she spent several days in the hospital recovering.
Throughout the process, support from faculty, administrators and clinical preceptors at UNR Med was critical.
“They were incredibly understanding and flexible,” Schultz said. “They made sure I could rest and recover while still meeting my responsibilities.”
Now, months later, Schultz says her health has stabilized and the experience has left a lasting imprint.
“It completely changed my perspective,” she said. “Being on the patient side while learning how to be a doctor gives you insight you can’t get any other way.”
The experience also reshaped her career goals. Schultz entered medical school interested in microbiology and infectious disease, drawn by a love of science and public health. Urology was not on her radar.
That changed through her own care and later during her surgery rotation, where she discovered she enjoyed procedural work alongside long-term patient relationships.
“Urology has this unique balance of clinic, procedures and longitudinal care,” Schultz said. “There’s so much variety, from in-office procedures to complex robotic surgeries.”
She credits her urologist, Christopher Tam, M.D., of Urology Nevada, as an important inspiration and influence during her recovery and exploration of the field. Eric Kim, M.D., associate dean of clinical research and associate professor of surgery, has also been supportive of her interest and a great resource for learning the specialty. Beyond career direction, Schultz says the experience reinforced the importance of self-care.
“I had to learn my own limitations,” she said. “You can’t take care of other people if you’re not taking care of yourself.”
As she continues her clinical training, Schultz believes her time as a patient will make her a more empathetic physician.
“I know what it’s like to be scared, to be hospitalized, to not sleep, to eat bad hospital food,” she said with a laugh. “Those experiences matter. They help you connect.”
Looking back, Schultz is struck by how a simple decision to volunteer in class altered her path.
“It never hurts to raise your hand and try something new,” she said. “You never know what you might discover about your health or about yourself.”
