Diversity isn’t
a buzzword.
It’s a requirement to treat our communities with clinical excellence.
Culture of Caring and Community
We are excited to welcome you to the DGSOM Family. Our community is made up of talented leaders who care deeply and work to impact the world for good.
Jordan Daniel, UCLA CTS
“I’m a citizen of the Kul Wicasa Oyate, the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in central South Dakota. I’m providing a land acknowledgment during the Fall Gathering. A land acknowledgment is something that has been happening a lot more over the last few years to really uplift, recognize, and respect the indigenous peoples. (…) It’s important for everyone to know the true histories of these lands and who actually occupied them first.”
Hyejoon Kim, Class of 2022
“We thought it would be a great idea for people to write what they’re grateful for on a post-it and stick it to the wall. (…) During second-year, a lot of us are stressed about the Step 1 exam coming up, so we wanted people to focus on the positives. We wanted people to remember what we’re grateful for moving forward. Hopefully seeing this in the lounge reminds other students that there are things to be grateful for.”
Aileen Arevalo, Class of 2022
“During Cultural Awareness Week, all the affinity groups come together and showcase what they’re working on or what current topics are important to their groups,” explains Aileen Arevalo, a second-year medical student. Aileen is a representative of the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA). “We had our annual fundraising event, La Posada, in November. We put the money raised towards a scholarship fund for DACA students.”
Victoria Lee, Class of 2023
“We went through the history of the menorah and how Hanukkah came to be, we all went around and shared some of our own miracles. Little miracles are what the holidays are all about. It’s a cozy time of year where everyone gets together with the people they love to celebrate their respective holidays.”
Saloni Gupta, Class of 2023
“The Cultural North Star, to me, is like a guiding principle. (…) While we were told about it during orientation week or in passing, this is the first event. This really shows that we’re all in this together. I think it’s super cool that UCLA Health has dedicated time to this and embracing what’s important to all of us.”
Harshika Chowdhary, (pictured far left), Class of 2022
“The Emergency Medicine Interest Group is one of the most hands-on groups on campus. We do a clinical skills workshop every single month. Students can explore emergency medicine through panels with people who are already in it while also learning skills like suturing or intubation.”
It’s usually the person of color in the room that is going to notice that the only patients in your study are white or that this drug was never evaluated in low-income communities,” Dr. May says. “It’s about getting more minorities and people of color into health care professions.
Dr. Fola May, MD, PhD, MPhil, UCLA Digestive Diseases
We Chase Equity
We have a collective commitment to combat structural racism.
That commitment spans healthcare, education and in our society at large. We understand that combating structural racism requires structural change and are taking immediate actions to address this belief at the organization-wide level.
Explore Student Affinity Groups
Student National Medical Association (SNMA)
“I’m a citizen of the Kul Wicasa Oyate, the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in central South Dakota. I’m providing a land acknowledgment during the Fall Nation’s oldest and largest student organization focused on the needs and concerns of medical students of color.
Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA)
Committed to addressing the unique health challenges of Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) communities.
Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)
Unites and empowers medical students through service, mentorship and education to advocate for the health of the Latino community.
Pride Alliance at DGSOM CDU
A social and support network for UCLA medical students, residents, and faculty who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ spectrums and allies of equality in medicine.
American Medical Women Association (AMWA)
To advance women in medicine, advocate for equity, and ensure excellence in health care.
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
Dedicated to fostering the success of Chicano/Latino, Native American and other scientists belonging to underrepresented groups from college students to professionals.
Equity and Diversity Inclusion Journal Club (EDI-JC)
To build community amongst faculty, staff, and trainees while reviewing literature of equity and diversity inclusion affecting URiM groups in academic medicine and healthcare.
DGSOM First-Gen Student Organization
Extension of the larger UCLA-wide First To Go Initiative highlighting the first-generation experience in higher education.
UCLA Muslim Student Union
Provides religious services, advocates on behalf of Muslim students on campus, and provides opportunities for students to give back to their community.
Committed to actively dismantling structural racism in our organization.
Unified in solidarity with DACA recipients, affected communities, allies, and undocumented students.
Compassionate, inclusive and equitable care for our diverse LGBTQ community.
We seek inquisitive leaders willing to speak up and dissent.
Women’s Empowerment Brunch
Sponsored by the Student National Medical Association
“It’s important to see women from all levels of their educational journey in one room, especially for any pre-med students who may feel less supported on their campus. They get to see women in front of them who have made it and learn from them. Distinguished MDs come and shed light on how to have the confidence to persevere despite any trials and tribulations. Everyone can network and feel encouraged to continue on their journey.”
Cléa Marsh, Medical Student DGSOM/DREW, Class of 2021.
We are open to any students who are interested in learning more about our religion and interested in connecting with us. We hope to clear up any misconceptions people might have about our religion, especially since the media can portray Islam in such a negative light. We also hope to host events for Muslim patients who you’ll see and treat as a physician.
Yusra Ahmedin, Medical Student, Class of 2023
