Meet the 2022-23 AMSNY Diversity in Medicine Scholarship recipients!
Current Scholarship Recipients
FORTH-TIME SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
DEASHIA MCALPINE
Undergraduate: Russell Sage College, BA (Psychology), ’15
AMSNY Post-Bac: State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MS (Medical Technology), ’19
Medical School: State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MD, ’23
Deashia grew up in Brooklyn, New York, experiencing healthcaredisparities in a medically underserved community. Deashia was offered the opportunity to attend medical school through the AMSNY/SUNY Upstate Master’s in Medical Technology and is currently a fourth-year student at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Her passion for medicine ignited in high school when she participated in the NYU School of Medicine High School Fellows Program. She attended an all-women’s college, where she learned about the inequalities that women face in society, especially in medicine. After college, while applying to medical school, Deashia served as an AmeriCorps volunteer being a patient educator in a women’s homeless shelter. These experiences have inspired her to become a mentor for future underrepresented students, who also want to become doctors. She looks forward to empowering a new generation of doctors of color, who are needed now more than ever.
SAMANTHA WILLIAMS
Undergraduate: Union College, BS (Biological Sciences), ’18
AMSNY Post-Bac: University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences, ’19
Medical School: State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MD, ’23
Samantha was born and raised in Syracuse, New York, where she observed how medical care is delivered to an underserved area. Her desire to return to this community stemmed from working as a volunteer for four years at the Syracuse Community Health Center, a federally qualified health center. Her love for Syracuse and passion for improving its health outcomes
were reaffirmed when she chose to attend medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical University. She has worked on the executive boards of the Student National Medical Association, Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA), American Medical Women’s Association, and Endocrinology Interest Group, all at Upstate. In these organizations, Samantha found ways to engage peers and faculty about health disparities and cultural humility. She is a former chair of the 2021 Health Justice Conference at Upstate, which featured topics such as LGBTQ+ health, environmental justice, COVID-19 health disparities, and much more. She is passionate about policy and has written policy at the town level for DeWitt, New York, and at the national level for LMSA. Currently, she is working on integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into the undergraduate medical curriculum at SUNY Upstate as the Chair of Diversity of the Alpha Omega Alpha chapter at her institution. She plans to pursue a career in family medicine and is applying to residency programs this cycle.
SECOND-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 second-year student at SUNY Upstate Medical University, she continues addressing inequalities and disparities in different capacities. She is currently a Service-Learning Leader at the Rescue Mission Shelter providing screenings and health education, delivering free eye exams in the community, and 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
AMSNY 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
Born in Accra, Ghana, Jesse gained a passion for the healthcare profession while visiting his sister as she was treated in intensive care. He and his sister later moved to the United States, where he eventually worked as an adjunct instructor at Buffalo State College and learned the importance of equipping overlooked and underrepresented students with the proper tools to prepare them for medical school. Jesse has also interned at the Greater Buffalo United Accountable Healthcare Network (GBUAHN), where he witnessed dedicated healthcare professionals providing services in low-income communities. He now attends SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University as a first-year student and continues to provide underrepresented students with the tools needed to succeed.
COLLEEN BECKFORD
Undergraduate: Brandeis University, BS (Biology), ’14
Graduate: Brandeis University, MS (Biotechnology), ’15
AMSNY Post-Bac: University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences, ’19
Medical School: State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, MD, ’23
Raised in Brooklyn, New York by Jamaican immigrants, Colleen has witnessed the systemic inequalities in American healthcare after her father was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. Observing these disparities sparked her passion for translational research and serving communities that medicine has abused and neglected. She has researched infectious diseases and antibacterial resistance in several places, such as the NICU of a hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and within ICUs in New York City hospitals. Colleen believes in the importance of mentorship and inspires women of color to pursue careers in STEM through programs like Science Club for Girls and 1000 Girls, 1000 Futures. She is now entering her third year at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, where, as co-coordinator for the Health Professions Recruitment Exposure Program (HPREP), she has organized instructional sessions that introduce students to health professions. Through Downstate’s free clinic and Student COVID Response Team, she has developed outreach for clinical resources and provided information to patients about the SARS-Cov-2 virus and the vaccine. She looks forward to serving her community as an aspiring pediatrician.
HILARY BRIGHT
Undergraduate: University of Maryland Baltimore County, BS (Biochemistry, Molecular Biology), ’16
AMSNY Post-Bac: Stony Brook University, MS (Biomedical Sciences), ’19
Medical School: Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, MD, ’23
Born in the United States as a Nigerian American and raised by her mother, Hilary has always found profound comfort in her experiences with her doctors. Having lived in difficult conditions with inconsistent access to water, heat, and electricity, the doctor’s office was a place where problems could be solved, and she knew she was looked after. Through these experiences, her
passion for medicine was ignited, and she is now a fourth-year student at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. Hilary has since participated in community health fairs, where patients from underserved areas are checked for high blood pressure and high glucose levels – a check-up that they might not have had access to previously. Hilary hopes to match into a pediatric residency program, where she can continue to work with underserved communities and advocate for her patients as her doctors once did for her.
DEVANTE BRYANT-NURSE
Undergraduate: University at Albany, BS (Human Biology), ’15
AMSNY Post-Bac: University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences, ’21
Medical School: Albany Medical College, MD, ’25
Initially devoted to the love of football, Devante began his interest in medicine in an unusual place. After tearing his labrum in an unfortunate sports-related injury, the physician who treated him did so with such compassion that Devante was inspired to provide the same care to others. He began working with underserved communities as a patient care associate at Albany Medical Center and is now a first-generation medical student entering his first year at Albany Medical College. He has witnessed firsthand the reluctance of patients from underrepresented backgrounds to see physicians, stemming from a history of unethical testing and improper care, and he hopes to address these inequities by providing representation and access in his journey to becoming a physician.
VANESSA CHICAS
Undergraduate: Cornell University, BS (Major: Human Development, Minor: Latina/o Studies), ’18
AMSNY Post-Bac: State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MS (Medical Technology), ’21
Medical School: State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MD, ’25
As a first-generation college and medical student, Vanessa is very excited to be a second-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 & Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, ’21
Medical School: State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine at 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 second year at SUNY Upstate Medical University, where she plans to continue serving underrepresented Latinx communities.
JOSE DELIZ
Undergraduate: Wesleyan University, BA (Biology), ’17
AMSNY 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
Jose is entering his second year of medical school at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University where he aspires to become an ER physician.His interest in medicine was first discovered after tearing his ACL, inspiring him to learn more about his ailment and the human body as a whole. He has volunteered at Lincoln Hospital in the Adult Emergency Room, where, as a native Spanish speaker, he often acted as an interpreter for numerous patients who primarily spoke Spanish. Jose has also worked with City Harvest, a program that helped deliver food to the underserved communities of New York. During medical school, Jose plans to continue addressing healthcare disparities through the Health Equity Advocacy and Leadership (HEAL) Pathway at SUNY Downstate. After graduation, he hopes to continue work at Lincoln Hospital so that he may provide accessible healthcare services to his community.
JERLIN GARO
Undergraduate: Hobart and William Smith Colleges, BS (Major: Biochemistry, Minor: Hispanic Studies) ’17
AMSNY 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. During her work 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 aims to increase awareness of telemedicine and
wage-loss programs. 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 second-year medical student at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
ROMARIO GIBSON
Undergraduate: SUNY Buffalo State College, BA (Major: Biology, Minor: Chemistry), ’15
Graduate: SUNY at Buffalo University, MA (Biological Sciences), ’16
AMSNY Post-Bac: State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MS (Medical Technology), ’20
Medical School: State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MD, ’24
AAs 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 third 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.
KATHERINE GUZMAN
Undergraduate: SUNY Old Westbury, BS (Biochemistry), ’19
AMSNY Post-Bac: State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MS (Medical Technology), ’21
Medical School: State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MD, ’25
As a Salvadoran American, Katherine has witnessed the challenges that Latino immigrants face in finding medical care due to language barriers, differences in cultural beliefs, and general mistrust. Now a second-year student, Katherine has become very involved in volunteering around the Syracuse community; particularly offering translation services at free health clinics and the Eastern Farm Workers Association. Katherine hopes to continue helping the community by educating people on the importance of preventative medicine and providing information on the many resources available for those who lack access to medical care..
NNEKA ONWUMERE
Undergraduate: Manhattanville College, BA (Chemistry), ’11
Graduate: CUNY City College of New York, MS (Chemistry), ’18
AMSNY Post-Bac: State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MS (Medical Technology), ’20
Medical School: State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MD, ’24
Nneka was born and raised in the Bronx as a child of immigrants. Her first exposure to medicine was in the neurology department at the Bronx Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center where her mother worked as a registered nurse. She began volunteering at the Bronx VA doing clerical work and visiting inpatients and has since volunteered in several hospitals including Mount Sinai and Harlem Hospital. Before moving to Syracuse, Nneka was a part-time yoga instructor and now teaches online yoga classes in her spare time. She continues to encourage others to live healthier, more active lifestyles and does her best to serve as an example. She is now a third-year student at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse where she tutors and mentors elementary school children as part of the New York State Mentoring Program.
LUNA PAREDES
Undergraduate: CUNY Hunter College, BA (Major: Biochemistry, Minor: Psychology), ’17
AMSNY 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 second year of medical school at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where sheaspires 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 highquality and culturally sensitive care to low-income Hispanic communities.
ROBERT SIMMONS
Undergraduate: New York University, BS (Major: Neural Science, Minor: Chemistry) BA (Spanish and Latin American Literatures and Cultures), ’18
AMSNY 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 third year at Stony Brook, where he also serves as President of Stony Brook’s Latino Medical Stude
SAVANNAH STEWART
Undergraduate: Northeastern University, BS (Major: Biology, Minor: Global Health), ’18
AMSNY 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 second year at Albany Medical College and plans to learn how to address the inequities that underrepresented communities face.
JUAN VAZQUEZ
Undergraduate: Florida International University, (Major: Biological Sciences, Minor: Chemistry), ‘16
Post-Bac: Post-Bac: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, ‘18
Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, MD/MSc, ‘24
Born in Venezuela and raised in Miami, Juan always knew he would become a doctor. His interest in medicine began at a young age when visits to the doctor instilled in him a sense of excitement. This excitement only grew strong with time as he learned of the interconnectedness of science, art, and humanity within the field of medicine. In his role as a physician, Juan aspires to be a patient advocate who emphasizes the needs of patients of color and low socioeconomic standing. In addition to his duties as a practicing physician, he would also like to remain engaged in research that focuses on health disparities. Juan is currently a rising fourth year at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
FIRST-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 nonprofit 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 first 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 currently in his third 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 first-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 third-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 and immigrating to America, Isaac experienced the transition from universal healthcare coverage to being uninsured. 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 first-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 first 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 entering his first 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 making it to the NBA, Sydney’s career path changed after suffering a basketball-related 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 second year at the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo.
ALEXIS RIVERA
Undergraduate: Cornell University, BA (Major: Biology and Society, Minor: Inequality Studies), ‘11
Post-Bac: Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, ‘18
Medical School: SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine, MD, ‘24
Alexis is the first in her family to graduate from college and attend medical school. Her experience growing up in an intricate bicultural household provided her with the ability to navigate various multicultural settings. Through her “Nuyorican” (New York and Puerto Rican) upbringing, Alexis learned of the experiences of immigrant families and low-income families and the relationship between these factors and different healthcare disparities. From her family as well as through other members of the community, she became aware of the deep-seated mistrust they felt towards healthcare professionals, which was uniquely rooted in historical traumas. Alexis hopes to address biocultural facets of medicine that perpetuate many health inequalities, including this mistrust within healthcare and communities traditionally underrepresented as physicians, scientists, and other medical professionals. She is currently cherishing the educational experiences of her clerkship years as a medical student in New York City.
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 first 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 first 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 first year at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.