Meet the 2023-24 AMSNY Diversity in Medicine Scholarship recipients!
Current Scholarship Recipients
THIRD-TIME SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
DOMINQUE ALEXIS
Undergraduate: Howard University, BS (Psychology, Allied Sciences), ’14
Post-Bac: State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine at Upstate Medical University, MS (Medical Technology), 21
Medical School: State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine at Upstate Medical University, MD, ‘25
Dominique was born in New York City as a first-generation Afro-Caribbean, whose parents had immigrated from Grenada. She later returned to Grenada, learning of the challenges underserved communities face in accessing proper medical care. As an undergraduate, she saw some of the same challenges in the United States. Dominique’s first community service experience was as a tutor and counselor for Howard University’s Math and Science Upward Bound Program, where she prepared high school students to enter and succeed in college. Now as a third-year student at SUNY Upstate Medical University, she continues addressing inequalities and disparities in different capacities. She most recently completed a year as a Service-Learning Leader at the Rescue Mission Shelter providing screenings and health education and continues to deliver free eye exams in the community while serving as a mentor for underrepresented groups interested in pursuing medicine.
JESSE KWAME ASIEDU
Undergraduate: Buffalo State College BA (Major: Biology, Minor: Chemistry), ’16
Graduate: Buffalo State College, MA (Biology), ’20
Post-Bac: University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences, ’21
Medical School: State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, MD, ’25
Jesse, born in Accra, Ghana, developed a keen interest in the healthcare profession while visiting his sister in the intensive care unit. Following this, both Jesse and his sister relocated to the United States where he worked as an adjunct instructor at Buffalo State College. During his tenure, he recognized the significance of equipping underrepresented students with the appropriate tools to ensure their preparedness for medical school. Upon his acceptance into medical school, Jesse undertook an innovative research project that focused on increasing diversity in the field of Emergency Medicine. Jesse presented his findings at the SAEM23 conference. Currently, Jesse is the incumbent president of White Coats 4 Black Lives, an organization that strives to elevate awareness of health-cost gaps and inequalities. As a third-year medical student at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Jesse continues to provide disadvantaged students with the necessary resources to achieve success.
VANESSA CHICAS
Undergraduate: Cornell University, BS (Human Development, Minor: Latina/o Studies), ’18
Post-Bac: Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University, MS (Medical Technology), ’21
Medical School: Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University, MD, ’25
As a first-generation college and medical student, Vanessa is very excited to be a third-year student at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Raised by her family who immigrated from El Salvador during the Civil War, Vanessa has assisted them as their translator in the doctor’s office. These experiences taught her the need for Latinx representation in the medical field, as so few doctors can properly communicate with Spanish-speaking patients, creating misunderstanding and a lack of trust. In college, Vanessa volunteered through several programs, including the NYC Cornell Cooperative Extension office, where she visited neighborhoods located in food deserts to teach children about healthy nutrition and exercise, and provided free food to take home with recipes to share with their families. She hopes to become a pediatrician for children who live in underserved Latinx communities while implementing public health initiatives to improve the overall health of the community.
DANYA CONTRERAS
Undergraduate: Cornell University, BS (Biological Engineering), ’13
Graduate: CUNY City College of New York, MS (Biology), ’19
Post-Bac: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, ’21
Medical School: Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University, MD, ’25
Danya migrated to the Bronx from the Dominican Republic at the age of six. Since then, she has become an advocate for Hispanic and Latino communities. She has pursued her passion through community service work, advocacy, and mentorship. As an undergraduate and alumni, she participated in Quisqueya: The Dominican Students Organization, La Asociación Latina, and various alumni organizations at Cornell University. She volunteered in the Emergency Room at Montefiore Hospital and at a family practice in the Bronx, where she was able to use her fluency in Spanish to connect with and educate patients facing a language barrier. Now she is entering her third year at SUNY Upstate Medical University, where she plans to continue serving underrepresented Latinx communities.
JERLIN GARO
Undergraduate: Hobart and William Smith Colleges, BS (Major: Biochemistry, Minor: Hispanic Studies) ’17
Post-Bac: University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences, ’21
Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, MD, ’25
Jerlin immigrated from the Dominican Republic to the Bronx at the age of seven, where she witnessed the reluctance of underserved communities to visit doctor’s offices. While working as a scribe with CityMD, she observed how patients came in once their medical conditions had worsened, opting to attempt self-remedies before risking costly medical visits. As a future physician, Jerlin aspires to address and improve patient hesitancy and access to medical care. Her background as a native Spanish speaker has also driven her to provide more accessibility to patients who are not fluent in English. She is now a third-year medical student at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
ROMARIO GIBSON
Undergraduate: SUNY Buffalo State College, BA (Biology, Minor: Chemistry), ’15
Graduate: SUNY at Buffalo University, MA (Biological Sciences), ’16
Post-Bac: Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University, MS (Medical Technology), ’20
Medical School: Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University, MD, ’24
As an immigrant and a person of color growing up in New York City, Romario understands the level of difficulty in accessing health insurance and affordable care for certain communities. Romario worked hard applying to medical school, and through the Medical Scholars Program is now in his fourth year at SUNY Upstate Medical University. To inspire those like him, Romario volunteered often. One of his most treasured experiences was working with children through the Refugee and Immigrant Self-Empowerment (RISE) organization, which offered workshops and various other services for refugees. In the future, he hopes to help remove the barriers to healthcare so that all have access to high-quality medicine.
LUNA PAREDES
Undergraduate: CUNY Hunter College, BA (Major: Biochemistry, Minor: Psychology), ’17
Post-Bac: University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences, ’21
Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, MD, ’25
Luna came to the United States at the age of 18, having been raised in the Dominican Republic. Since immigrating, she has volunteered abroad in Ecuador, co-organizing a 10-day volunteer health education trip to deliver health and sex education in Spanish and basic English. She has also volunteered at South Bronx Community Health Leaders (SBxCHL) at Montefiore Hospital, where she has assisted in activities such as contacting recent immigrants in Spanish and in English to notify them of their medical and legal options. Luna has now entered her third year of medical school at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where she aspires to practice in underserved communities to narrow the gap between the services people need and those they receive. In addition to educating and advocating for her patients, she hopes to provide high-quality and culturally sensitive care to low-income Hispanic communities.
ROBERT SIMMONS
Undergraduate: New York University, BS (Neural Science, Minor: Chemistry), BA (Spanish & Latin American Literature & Cultures), ’18
Post-Bac: Stony Brook University, MS (Biomedical Sciences), ’20
Medical School: Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, MD, ’24
As a Black, Puerto Rican Bronx native who recognizes the unfair tribulations that minorities face in healthcare, Robert has worked hard to fight for underrepresented populations. Having started volunteer work at soup kitchens, he has since interned as Program Coordinator for Health Leads, where he worked with Spanish-speaking populations to screen and enroll people in public benefits. As a student at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, he has helped found the chapter of Students for a National Health Program (SNaHP), where he helps to build a diverse, intersectional coalition aimed at advocating for a more equitable healthcare system in the US. Robert is now entering his fourth year at Stony Brook, where he also serves as President of Stony Brook’s Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) and as White Coats for Black Lives Liaison for the Student National Medical Association (SNMA).
SAVANNAH STEWART
Undergraduate: Northeastern University, BS (Major: Biology, Minor: Global Health), ’18
Post-Bac: University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences, ’21
Medical School: Albany Medical College, MD, ’25
Savannah has strong ties to her parents’ communities – her mother immigrated from Liberia and her father was an African American living in Alabama – which have provided her with a unique perspective and driven her to seek experiences working with underserved populations, both here and in Africa. In her volunteer work, Savannah was surprised to learn that, in Kenya, cancer is considered a death sentence due to a lack of resources and late staging. It was a further surprise to her that the situation for black women in the United States is not so different; many articles cite lack of access to services, late staging, and low socioeconomic status as factors resulting in poor outcomes. Savannah has been moved by disparities like these; she has volunteered as a biology teacher for inner-city youth, as a mentor for black students, and as a teacher’s aide for public health programs in Kenya. She has also worked abroad to track and mitigate leprosy cases in Kiribati, an underprivileged pacific country, and volunteered at a free clinic in Rhode Island to help manage patients with chronic disease. She now enters her third year at Albany Medical College and plans to learn how to address the inequities that underrepresented communities face.
SECOND-TIME SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
MALENA ALLBRIGHT
Undergraduate: SUNY, University at Albany, BS (Biology), ‘16
Graduate: Barry University, MS (Biomedical Sciences), ‘19
Post-Bac: Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, ’22
Medical School: Albany Medical College, MD, ‘26
Although her interest in medicine began at a young age, Malena’s passion for the field was solidified during her undergraduate education where she pursued medically relevant positions. While working in various healthcare settings, Malena observed the social barriers that impeded patient care. This observation led to her founding of The Patient Helper Corporation, a non-profit organization based in Florida whose mission is to provide free companion care to individuals with a life-limiting disease or illness. In her role as the founder of the Patient Helper Corporation, Malena was able to bond with patients and learn about the barriers they faced due to their illnesses. One interaction with a patient who had sickle cell anemia led to Malena writing a literary review on the recently discovered therapeutic interventions for sickle cell anemia for the Journal of Medical and Biomedical Discoveries in hopes of raising awareness. Malena hopes to use her passion for patient care to advocate for patient needs and contribute to healthcare reform. She is currently entering her second year at Albany Medical College.
BRADLEY AMAZAN
Undergraduate: SUNY, Stony Brook University (Major: Health Science with a concentration in Public Health and Community Health Education, Minor: Biology), ‘16
Post-Bac: Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, ’20
Medical School: State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, MD, ’24
Bradley’s interest in medicine began at an early age, living in a multigenerational household with his parents, grandparents, three brothers, and two sisters. Growing up, Bradley assisted his mother, a registered nurse, by regularly checking his grandparents’ vitals. This experience was one of several that slowly strengthened his interest in the field of medicine. As a first-generation Haitian American, he was exposed to the various health systems in the United States and Haiti. In 2009, his family traveled to Haiti where they volunteered at a health clinic through a local church. This experience taught Bradley the importance of access to, and utilization of preventative medicine, health literacy, and regular health screenings. As a physician, Bradley hopes to create more opportunities, representation, and mentorship for youth while working to increase local health literacy and equity. Bradley is entering his fourth year at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.
ANTONIO BOTTOS
Undergraduate: SUNY, The College at Brockport, BS (Major: Psychology & Biological Sciences, Minor: Chemistry & PreProfessional Health) ’19
Post-Bac: Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, ’21
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, MD, ’26
Antonio was a welfare recipient most of his life growing up in Upstate New York. He spent his teenage years living in subsidized housing for low-income families and at 16, started working at a local grocery store to financially support his family to avoid homelessness. Antonio continued working while attaining his bachelor’s degree and was actively involved in advocacy for historically underrepresented students in STEM as a CSTEP Participant, McNair Scholar & EOP Peer Mentor. After graduating, he provided direct patient care to community members experiencing mental health crises and was a family advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities. As a first-generation college student coming from a socioeconomically disadvantaged family, Antonio deeply understands how poverty contributes to poorer health outcomes. His drive for becoming a physician stem from his passion to provide accessible medical care to marginalized community members. Antonio would like to be a physician that improves patient health from a biopsychosocial perspective while exemplifying leadership as a social justice advocate. He hopes to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity as a second-year medical student at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.
BIANCA AUDREY DUAH
Undergraduate: Brown University, BA (Major: Health and Human Biology – Race and Ethnic Disparities Track), ‘16
Post-Bac: Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, ’20
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, MD, ‘24
Born in New York City and raised between Ghana and New York City, Bianca witnessed the disproportionate impact of poverty and illness in her community. Her passion for medicine began at a young age as she navigated taking care of family members who suffered from various ailments. Her unique cultural background allowed Bianca to navigate multiple cultural spaces and learn of the importance of cultural awareness and competency as a physician. Bianca has a background in research and aims to conduct research in the future that focuses on health disparities as a disease with the ultimate goal of creating solution-oriented efforts to address said disparities, namely in musculoskeletal health. Currently, she has her eyes set on becoming an orthopedic surgeon specializing in spine, total joints, and oncology. Bianca is a rising fourth year at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.
ISAAC FAITH
Undergraduate: University of South Florida, BS (Major: Cell and Molecular Biology) ‘17
Graduate: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, MS (Biomedical Sciences) ‘20
Post-Bac: Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, ’22
Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, MD, ‘26
Born in England, Isaac experienced the transition from universal healthcare coverage to being uninsured after immigrating to the United States. The reality of being uninsured in America while seeking medical care showed Isaac the shortcomings of the American healthcare system and inspired him to become a physician who is committed to providing care to the underserved. His passion also led to his helping found the Diversity Innovation Hub (DIH) whose mission is to initiate, accelerate, and launch innovative solutions to address disparities in health and healthcare. Isaac is a second-year medical student at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
JULIET MANU
Undergraduate: SUNY, University at Albany, BS, (Major: Biology, Minor: Neuroscience & Psychology), ‘20
Post-Bac: New York Medical College, MS (Basic Medical Sciences), ‘22
Medical School: New York Medical College, MD, ‘26
As a first-generation Ghanaian-American, born in the Bronx, NY Juliet was surrounded by an abundance of cultures. She has always had a strong interest in science and her desire to become a physician was reaffirmed in high school after experiencing an athletic injury. Juliet’s injury required surgery, an experience that was one of her first personal encounters with healthcare professionals. Throughout her journey through post-operative recovery, the compassion and empathy Juliet felt from the healthcare professionals showed her the qualities that she would like to emulate as a future physician. Juliet is entering her second year of medical school at New York Medical College, where she is hopeful that throughout her journey, she can continue to be a mentor and guide for pre-medical students. In due time, Juliet looks forward to bridging the gap between the life expectancies of people from all ethnic backgrounds.
JOSUE MERIDA
Undergraduate: CUNY Baruch College, BA (Major: Biological Sciences and Psychology), ‘19
Post-Bac: Stony Brook University, MS (Physiology and Biophysics) ’22
Medical School: Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, MD, ’26
Born and raised in Queens to a Guatemalan father and Ecuadorian mother, Josue received great insight into different cultural and social backgrounds. His interest in medicine began in middle school when his older sister became a registered nurse. Seeing the joy her career brought led to his wanting to explore careers in healthcare. In addition to his background in the sciences, clinical shadowing, and research, Josue worked as an EMT in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and is a certified aircraft mechanic. Josue is starting his second year at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University.
SYDNEY PIGOTT
Undergraduate: University at Buffalo, SUNY, BS, (Major: Psychology), ‘18
Post-Bac: Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, ‘21
Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, MD, ‘25
With aspirations of a career in the NBA, Sydney’s career path changed after suffering a basketballrelated injury that ended his athletic journey. Without basketball, Sydney’s focus shifted to becoming a physician after undergoing surgery due to his injury. A conversation with his anesthesiologist ignited a passion for medicine as he saw how happy he was treating people and doing what he loved. As a physician, Sydney aims to give back to his community and communities like his. He is beginning his third year at Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo.
SADÉ TAYLOR
Undergraduate: SUNY, Stony Brook University, BS (Major: Health Sciences, Concentration in Anesthesia Technology) ‘15
Post-Bac: Stony Brook University, MS (Physiology and Biophysics) ’22
Medical School: Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, MD, ‘26
Working as an anesthesia technology intern, Sadé experienced the fast-paced environment of the emergency room. While thrust into a new situation, with little guidance, Sadé quickly learned to adapt to the chaos of preparing an operating room for surgery. The path to medicine is not an easy one, but during her time in the Stony Brook master’s program, Sadé learned resilience and perseverance. She is currently entering her second year at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University.
RICARDO TOCHIMANI
Undergraduate: Lafayette College, BS, (Major: Neuroscience) ‘17
Post-Bac: New York Medical College, MS (Basic Medical Sciences), ’22
Medical School: New York Medical College, MD, ’26
Ricardo’s passion for science began at an early age. With an interest in becoming an astronaut, he quickly became enamored with the field of medicine during a trip to Mexico where he spent a lot of time with his grandparents. Ricardo saw his grandparents’ health deteriorate due to not fully understanding their illness and not having access to appropriate care due to finances or location. He vowed to become a physician that would increase the health literacy of his patients and mitigate the barriers that patients face in acquiring quality care. Ricardo is entering his second year of medical school at New York Medical College.
OUMOU TOURÉ
Undergraduate: Amherst College, BA, (Major: Neuroscience) ‘18
Graduate: Relay Graduate School of Education, MEd (Adolescent Education) ‘20
Post-Bac: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, ’22
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, MD, ‘26
As an undergraduate student at Amherst, Oumou learned of the compounding effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the systemic barriers disadvantaged groups face. This knowledge caused her to reflect inward on her own experiences and recognize the shortcomings of the American healthcare system. Studying the relationship between zip codes and health status, Oumou learned of the adverse health outcomes for minorities exacerbated by systemic inequalities. In her career, she hopes to provide quality and equitable care to vulnerable populations. Oumou is entering her second year at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.
FIRST-TIME SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
LALITA ALEXANDER
Undergraduate: Fisk University, BA (Biology), ’99; Paris Junior College, LVN, ’01; University of Texas, BS (Nursing), ’03
Graduate: Tennessee State University, MS (Nursing), ’19
Post-Bac: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, ’23
Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, MD, ’27
Lalita learned the importance of diversity in medicine while working as a family nurse practitioner and providing care to immigrants, illegal citizens, uninsured and underrepresented people in her community. Her experiences working as a nurse practitioner in underserved areas revealed how these communities need both quality care and more representation in medicine. Lalita plans to work in areas with high HPSA scores in New York State and to develop, implement and operate a comprehensive federal medical home that offers family medicine, internal medicine, dental, basic imaging services and pediatric care services. Lalita is entering her first year at Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo.
JOHN ALVAREZ
Undergraduate: Cornell University, BS (Biology and Society), ’19 Post-Bac: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, ’21 Medical School: Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, MD, ’26
From a young age, John witnessed structural barriers that contribute to health inequity. Raised as a language and cultural broker for his family, while navigating experiences in the United States he learned that strong ties to social environment have a significant impact on one’s wellbeing. While John’s early environment and experiences instilled in him an interest in serving others, his later experiences with medicine linked this desire to serve and help others in a profession that fulfilled these interests. John hopes to become a physician who recognizes the complexities that influence health and address them in practice. John is beginning his second year at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
ANGELIA CLEMONS
Undergraduate: Rochester Institute of Technology, BS (Biomedical Sciences), ’19 Graduate: D’Youville College, MS (Anatomy), ’20 Post-Bac: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, ’23
Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, MD, ’27
Angelia first became interested in medicine while learning about the cardiovascular system in a ninth-grade biology course. During her senior year of high school, she became a first-time caregiver for her mother who was diagnosed with breast cancer. At a young age, Angelia learned the importance of quality care and patient advocacy when she had to advocate for herself and her mother. While living in an underserved community, her surroundings helped her recognize that many people in her community may not know how or are afraid to advocate for themselves. Angelia made it her mission to become an advocate and demonstrated this throughout her work as a medical assistant. As a future physician, Angelia wants each patient to be heard, feel important and be educated without feeling belittled or deterred from seeking medical care. Angelia is entering her first year at Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo.
AFEESAT DUROSINMI
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania, BA (Health and Societies), ’20
Post-Bac: Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University, MS (Medical Technology), ’23
Medical School: Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University, MD, ’27
As a child of Nigerian immigrants, Afeesat has had first-hand experience of the struggles to reach a standing of comfortable living. Growing up in a low-income, medically underserved community and attending an underfunded public high school in New York City, Afeesat experienced educational and economic challenges. Despite these setbacks, Afeesat has learned valuable lessons from her life experiences, such as determination and perseverance. Afeesat is passionate about giving back to her community and believes pursuing a career in medicine will equip her with the tools to have a positive impact on the lives of others. Afeesat is entering her first year at SUNY Upstate Medical University.
KELSEY GIBSON
Undergraduate: New York University, BA (Sociology, Minor Chemistry), ’14
Graduate: Johns Hopkins University, MS (Biotechnology), ’15
Post-Bac: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, ’19
Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, MD, ’24
Kelsey’s journey in medicine has been marked by a deep commitment to serving underserved communities. During her first year of medical school, she enrolled in an elective course titled Health in the Neighborhood, which fostered integration between medical students and a historically underserved Black community in Buffalo’s east side. Through this experience, she learned of the profound impact of social determinants, unveiling the significance of addressing factors like healthcare accessibility and nutrition for holistic patient care. Kelsey’s dedication to patient education is evident as she interacts with community members, offering tangible solutions to their healthcare needs. Her passion has intensified during clerkships, as she encountered patients seeking a provider who shared their background. Kelsey empowered patients with knowledge; notably, she has advocated for equitable diabetes management tools for all, transcending the role of a traditional physician. This remarkable journey showcased Kelsey’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity, awareness, and improving representation in the field of medicine. Kelsey is entering her fourth year at Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo.
EMMALY GUTIERREZ
Undergraduate: Stony Brook University, BS (Biology), ’19
Post-Bac: SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, MS (Physiology), ’23
Medical School: SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, MD, ’27
Emmaly’s path to becoming a physician has been intricately woven with impactful moments that have shaped her journey. At a young age, she witnessed EMTs aid her Spanish-speaking grandmother; the way they bridged language barriers to provide care ignited Emmaly’s desire to make a difference in her community. She then became an EMT, where she sought to give back while exploring her passion for medicine. Emmaly’s yearning for deeper patient connections propelled her to become a medical scribe in a bustling emergency department, exposing her to the compassionate, transformative role of physicians. This journey ultimately brought her to the BRIDGES program at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, where she is also beginning her first year of medical school. Emmaly’s narrative underscores her determination, cultural identity and profound commitment to a future dedicated to healing and service.
STEPHANIE IJOMAH
Undergraduate: Binghamton University, BS (Neuroscience), ’18
Post-Bac: Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University, MS (Medical Technology), ’23
Medical School: Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University, MD, ’27
Stephanie’s journey into medical school has flourished over the past year, fueled by a transformative experience. Her interest in ophthalmology was sparked by the book ‘Second Suns’, which chronicled the inspiring tale of two doctors dedicated to eradicating preventable blindness in remote South Asian regions. Following an elective surgery to correct a childhood ptosis-related condition, Stephanie’s personal connection to the field deepened. Her master’s thesis research on stem cell applications for sight restoration unveiled the profound impact of eye disease on individuals worldwide, especially those lacking access to essential eye care services. Stephanie’s commitment to addressing these disparities led her to shadow a uveitis specialist and volunteer at a local eye clinic, which fostered her determination to serve underserved communities and mentor aspiring students of color on their path to medical school. Stephanie is now entering her first year at SUNY Upstate Medical University.
NIAYA JACKSON
Undergraduate: Rochester Institute of Technology, BS (Biochemistry), ’21
Post-Bac: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, ’23
Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, MD, ’27
Niaya’s early exposure to health disparities in underserved areas strongly impacted her journey to becoming a physician. Memories of the SMILEmobiles Program, a program that provided dental care to underserved children, left a lasting impression on her. Witnessing her friends struggle with access to proper healthcare and relying on emergency rooms for primary care fueled her determination to make a difference. Niaya’s vision for her medical career is rooted in addressing these inequities. She aspires to open a practice in an underserved area, offering free or low-cost care while focusing on patient education and breaking down cultural barriers to understanding. Her ambition extends beyond the clinic, as she plans to create a non-profit organization to support aspiring medical professionals from various backgrounds, reflecting her commitment to providing mentorship and guidance. Niaya is now beginning her first year at Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo.
KELSEY MURRAY
Undergraduate: Stony Brook University, BA (Biology, Minor: Art History), ’21
Post-Bac: New York Medical College, MS (Biomedical Sciences), ’23
Medical School: New York Medical College, MD, ’27
Kelsey’s background as the child of Jamaican immigrants has deeply influenced her path toward becoming a physician. Her yearly visits to Jamaica allowed her to witness the struggles people faced due to limited access to medical care. Kelsey’s personal connection to her grandfather’s journey to the United States for cancer treatment illuminated the significance of accessible healthcare. Inspired by her mother’s stories about the lack of gynecological care in rural Jamaica, Kelsey is driven to serve immigrant communities and those with limited access to healthcare. Kelsey is determined to become a physician in an underserved area to continue building a safe and educational space for communities like her own to seek medical care. Kelsey is entering her first year at New York Medical College.
BEYLUL NEGASSI
Undergraduate: Boston College, BA (Biology and Sociology), ’16
Graduate: Relay Graduate School of education, MA (Teaching in Science Adolescent 7-12; Dual Certification in Special Education), ’18
Post-Bac: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, ’23
Medical School: SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, MD, ’27
Beylul’s journey to a career in medicine was defined by her early experience in a refugee clinic, where she connected with a former prisoner of war and advocated for his much-needed migraine treatment. This pivotal interaction ignited her passion for serving disadvantaged populations, a commitment that has threaded through her professional path. Whether teaching students with special needs, assisting prison inmates in the Bronx, aiding African refugees, or supporting atrisk teens in the ER, Beylul has consistently encountered the recurring issue of individuals feeling unheard. Her deep empathy and sacrifice-driven upbringing have fueled her dedication to cultural competency and sensitivity, essential components in building trust in historically disenfranchised communities. Beylul envisions healthcare to make a lasting impact, fostering holistic and transformative care tailored to the needs of underserved communities, while fostering sustainable solutions beyond the confines of a doctor’s visit. Beylul is entering her first year at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.
NATALY ORTEGA YAGUACHI
Undergraduate: Borough of Manhattan Community College, AS, ’17; Binghamton University, BA (Biological Sciences), ’19
Post-Bac: Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University, MS (Medical Technology), ’23
Medical School: Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University, MD, ’27
Nataly was born in Ecuador, a place where her upbringing in a collectivistic culture instilled in her a deep sense of community responsibility. This foundation, combined with her fascination of biology, led her on the path to becoming a physician. Eager to confirm her calling, she immersed herself in clinical settings early on and later took on a role as a medical scribe during her postcollege gap year. This experience broadened her clinical acumen, nurtured personal growth through interactions with colleagues and patients, and reinforced her understanding of the critical need for equitable healthcare access. During her time in the Medical Scholars Program at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Nataly found herself among like-minded peers from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds, united in their aspiration to enhance community health and promote equity in medicine. Nataly is now entering her first year at SUNY Upstate Medical University.
ALEXA RENDON
Undergraduate: Emory University, BS (Neuroscience & Behavioral Biology), BA (Chemistry), ’18
Post-Bac: New York Medical College, MS (Biomedical Sciences), ’22
Medical School: New York Medical College, MD, ’26
Alexa, the eldest daughter of immigrant parents, was raised in a small border town in the Texas Rio Grande Valley, one of the most medically underserved areas in the States. Inspired by her grandfather’s empathy and compassion toward his patients in Mexico, Alexa hopes to emulate these qualities as a future physician, recognizing the need for culturally sensitive physicians. Her passion for improving health in the Latino community was reaffirmed when she chose to attend medical school at New York Medical College. As the president of the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) and the American Medical Association chapters, Alexa finds ways to engage local physicians and students to improve health disparities in underrepresented populations. Her dedication to improving lives through research, patient care and community service shines through her work with La Casita de la Salud, a student-run medical clinic in Harlem. After medical training, she hopes to mentor aspiring young physicians to bridge the gaps in medical care for underserved communities. Alexa is in her second year of medical school.
LATIA SKERVING
Undergraduate: Cornell University, BA (Biology and Society), ’15
Post-Bac: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, ’19
Medical School: SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, MD, ’24
Latia’s journey to medicine is defined by her experiences as a first-generation college student, growing up in a minority, low-income neighborhood in the Bronx. Her formative years were deeply influenced by her great-grandmother who not only played a nurturing role, but also ignited her passion for medicine through imaginative doctor games. As her aspirations evolved, Latia transitioned from playful doctoring to a more serious pursuit of healthcare. Witnessing her grandmother’s illness progress highlighted the stark reality of healthcare limitations and spurred her determination to become a healer for families and communities like her own. Observing the glaring healthcare disparities between affluent neighborhoods of Manhattan and underserved communities in the Bronx, Latia’s determination to bridge the gap and advocate for quality healthcare was solidified, driving her ambition to serve and heal the underprivileged. Latia is entering her fourth year at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.