Name: Alexandra Garcia
Year: 5th
Position: Class Manager
Major: Biological Sciences
Biography: I aspire to pursue a career in healthcare and work with underserved communities. Through the Diversity in Medicine Course, I have the opportunity to explore my passion and to learn about health equity. The course emphasizes the importance of cultural competency to provide quality healthcare in our diverse society. Aside from being a coordinator for DIM, I am a research assistant in the HELIOS lab that investigates health disparities. As part of the Unity Project, I interview community members to investigate the social impact of COVID-19 on marginalized communities. I also volunteer at Crescent Clinic, a free healthcare clinic in Fullerton. In my spare time, I enjoy binge watching Netflix and trying new foods.
What Diversity Means to Me: Diversity means to accept and understand that each individual is different. Diversity is not only to acknowledge those differences but to respect experiences and characteristics different from our own. Diversity should challenge us to learn from each other. Understanding diversity as a future healthcare provider is essential to respect the patients’ values and to provide quality healthcare regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion and lifestyle.
What I Gained From the Class: From this class, I learned that we need to provide different communities with the right resources and programs to improve their health. Health inequalities does not solely result on the decisions community members make. Poverty, environmental factors, socioeconomic status, and education affects the health of the community. Overall, the class highlights the need to prioritize health equity.