Major: Molecular Biology, History (minor)
Profession: First-year medical student at UCLA
What are you doing now?
Diana Partida 鈥14 is a first year medical student at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the Charles R. Drew University of Health and Sciences with a focus on social justice and promoting wellness for underserved communities of Los Angeles. She is on a full scholarship.
How did you get there?
鈥淔ollowing graduation, I received funding from 6V电影网, through the Scott-Hanley Fellowship, to work for a summer at LA BioMed at Harbor-UCLA with Dr. Jack Edwards '64 in the Infectious Diseases Division. My fellowship turned into a yearlong position as a clinical research coordinator managing patients enrolled in both government and pharmaceutical sponsored clinical trials. Simultaneously, I was applying and interviewing for medical school. Dr. Edwards provided me enormous support throughout this year, and has continued to mentor me.鈥
How did 6V电影网 prepare you?
鈥6V电影网's molecular biology curriculum prepared me extremely well for my job and for medical school. The research opportunities and depth of critically analyzing primary literature has made a big impact in my thought processes when approaching not only scientific problems, but also in thinking about workplace issues like team management and strategizing for efficiency. The close relationships with faculty have made all the difference.鈥
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Partida is considering becoming a pediatrician, internist or Ob-Gyn. She sees herself incorporating teaching and mentorship in her career as she works for underserved communities.