Meet some of our amazing
JMP students!

Pronouns: She/Her

Hometown: San Mateo, CA

Undergrad institution: Brown University

I chose the JMP because… I wanted to be part of a program that is equity-focused, close-knit, holistic, and supportive! I knew this would be the ideal space for finding role models for who I want to be as a physician.

My research/community interests are… My master's research is environmental justice-based, working with youth in Richmond, CA to investigate best practices for equitable urban greening in cities impacted by racialized housing segregation. Otherwise, I am interested in disability justice, medical anthropology, and clinical education (especially in pediatrics).

Ask me about: The best turkey sandwiches in the Bay Area, being disabled in medical school, and what book you should read next!

Email: sara_alavi@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: She/her

Hometown: San Jose, CA

Undergrad institution: Loyola Marymount University

I chose the JMP because… of its priority to disrupt complacency and push the needle towards health equity through its PBL curriculum and course options. I was also excited about the flexibility to take additional interdisciplinary courses that would build on my medical knowledge and interests even after completing a Masters in Public Health at Berkeley. Overall, the JMP offers an invaluable experience to think critically alongside a cohort of justice-focused peers and have a trusted support network through this next chapter in life. I couldn’t be happier with my choice to be in this one-of-a-kind community and have the support to follow my passions within and outside of medicine.

My research/community interests are… immigrant health, public health, Latino health, health disparities across underrepresented groups, race-based medicine, health policy, and health equity education among healthcare professionals

Ask me about: Qualitative research, Masters in Public Health before medical school, being underrepresented in medicine, Gap Years, EMT experience, living in the Bay Area, best restaurants in San Francisco, and anything else!

Email: camila_depierola@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: He/Any

Hometown: Huntington Station, NY

Undergrad institution: Stony Brook University (SUNY)

I chose the JMP because… it uniquely emphasizes antiracist values and explicitly recognizes systems change as a fundamental role and expectation for future physician leaders. This program provides the added advantage of access to two esteemed institutions, offering a wealth of research, faculty expertise, and more. I was drawn to the JMP because, during the application process, I sought a learning environment where students are seen as individuals rather than just numbers. I recognized JMP’s distinct approach, characterized by its smaller class size and personalized attention to students. This was substantiated when, on multiple occasions, various faculty members recognized me by name before I had the opportunity to introduce myself. Within this program, I genuinely feel valued by both the faculty and my peers, a sentiment that is mutually reciprocated.

My research/community interests are… sexual and public health advancements. My previous work in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) helped me find a passion for building capacity in Pacific Island Countries and Territories and shedding light on the pivotal health concerns confronting Pacific Islanders. These concerns predominantly arise from structural racism, power imbalances, and legacies of colonization by the US and other nations. Additionally, I have a keen interest in addressing disparities in queer health. My interests are quite varied! What excites me most is the prospect that I can explore every one of these interests; Berkeley and UCSF keep all doors wide open.

Ask me about: Anything I already mentioned! I'm also a bit of a nerd for city design as a major factor in social movements and community health, and the evolutionary underpinnings of why we struggle to live a world that looks the way ours does.

Email: jordan_roiland@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: San Jose, CA

Undergrad institution: UC Berkeley

I chose the JMP because… of its supportive and collaborative community, emphasis on equity-focused/patient-centered care, and opportunities for advocacy outside of clinical practice.

My research/community interests are… Integrating social care into clinical medicine, immigrant health, reproductive health, global health, and mentorship/medical education,

Ask me about: Growing up in the bay area, being a first-generation/low-income student, PRIME-US, work-life balance, specialty/identity exploration, & the best food/coffee in the bay :)

Email: semirasherief@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Union City, CA

Undergrad institution: UC Berkeley

I chose the JMP because… of the refreshingly unique, intersectional, and humanizing context in which our medical education is grounded.

My classmates and I are afforded the opportunity to learn from two world class institutions (including my alma mater, Go Bears!), and our integrated MS/MD curriculum allows us to delve into research which advances social justice and equitable healthcare delivery. The JMP challenges me to engage in critical discussions with my peers, mentors, and community about health and society, which help me show up as a better physician for future patients. As I continue to experience life as a first-year JMP student, I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of such a beautifully supportive, tight-knit, and diverse community.

My research/community interests are… patient-centered care and shared decision-making, global health, drivers of health equity, cancer care delivery, and more

Ask me about: Clinical/preclinical research, healthcare advocacy across micro- and macro- level systems, growing up in the Bay Area, my English minor, local coffee shop recommendations!

Email: ptewari@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: They/them

Hometown: Lagrangeville, New York

Undergrad institution: Binghamton University

I chose the JMP because… I wanted a program focus on social justice and health equity that included a research/community advocacy component.

My favorite thing about the JMP is… The small tight-knit community.

My research/community interests are… LGBTQ+ health, gender and gender affirming care, sexual and gender minority patient-provider experiences

Ask me about: Thrifting, hiking, astrology, adventuring

Email: gaughan@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: he/him/his

Hometown: San Jose, CA

Undergrad institution: San Diego State University

I chose the JMP because… of its PBL curriculum, emphasis on antiracism, small size, and location in the Bay Area :)

My favorite thing about the JMP is… how the JMP encourages students to critically think about medicine, how the teaches medicine differently than any other medical school, and the strong sense of community

My research/community interests are… harm reduction and working with people who use drugs

Ask me about: anything JMP-related, ending the war on drugs, or my dog (Mocha)

Email: bryson_gomez@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Undergrad institution: UC Davis

I chose the JMP because I wanted a community that strongly emphasizes the humanity in medicine. Earning a master’s degree from UC Berkeley provides the time and skills to delve deeper into the public health of our communities. I am also a California girl at heart and the Bay Area has so much to do, whether that is in the city or national parks nearby.  

My favorite thing about the JMP is my cohort of 16 people. We are a small but mighty community; one that truly supports each other through this life transition. 

My research/community interests are… Womxn’s Health, surgical decision making 

Ask me about: Entering medical school after gap years, the pros and cons of a small program

Email: atmcdaniel@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: he/him/his

Hometown: Hayward, CA

Undergrad institution: UC Davis

I chose the JMP because… I greatly desired a unique, nontraditional education that allowed me to learn through clinical cases (problem-based learning) over a lecture-based curriculum and to conduct impactful research on communities in need with mentorship from renowned faculty at both UC Berkeley and UCSF!

My favorite thing about the JMP is… The curriculum and classmates! I enjoy the flipped classroom style of learning where I can study material on my own time and where class is based on discussion and review of the material. Along with the close dynamic with my 15 other classmates, JMP's TBL curriculum has allowed me to have abundant time to pursue extracurricular experiences, practice wellness, and explore academic interests in the most supportive environment possible.

My research/community interests are… Emergency Medicine, Sports Medicine, Pediatrics, Asian American health, Filipinx American health

Ask me about: Research, Community Service, Sports, Extracurricular Opportunities, Sushi spots, etc.

Email: jlobra@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: Fremont, CA

Undergrad institution: UC Berkeley

I chose the JMP because… of its focus on health equity and antiracism; its unique integration of public health coursework into medical school; the incredible opportunities afforded for both public health and medicine between Berkeley and UCSF; the patients we get to serve as medical students in both SF and the East Bay; the wonderful people!

My favorite thing about the JMP is… the people!!! I am so grateful to have a tight-knit community of individuals who share my values for equity, justice, and advocacy. It is deeply inspiring to be in community with others who are doing amazing things and working to make the world (and healthcare) a better place! :)

My research/community interests are… pediatrics, the integration of social care into clinical care, immigrant health, maternal/child health, early childhood development, women's health, reproductive justice, basic needs support, culturally sensitive care. also very interested in teaching/mentorship, especially for pre-med students who identify as underrepresented in medicine!

Ask me about: life in the Bay Area, my research interests, being a woman of color in medicine, work-life balance, life as a JMP-PRIME student, intersecting public health and medicine, advocacy, identity exploration, the best restaurants in the Bay, and literally anything else!

Email: kpotharaju@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: Bay Area

Undergrad institution: UCLA

I chose the JMP because… I wanted to find a medical school curriculum that was equally as dedicated to health equity and social justice as it was to providing students with an outstanding clinical education. The opportunity to study at both UCSF and UC Berkeley is truly an amazing opportunity!

My favorite thing about the JMP is… The opportunity to tailor your medical education to your interests, and the incredible support you receive from faculty and other students.

My research/community interests are… Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs), pediatric health equity

Ask me about: Non-traditional applicants/Multiple gap years

Email: jayneskinner@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: San Francisco

Undergrad institution: Brown University

I chose the JMP because… The JMP has long been committed to training future physicians who will advance health equity and social justice in health at the intersection of medicine and public health. I am also interested in both primary care and research, and the JMP has a strong track record in both those areas. In addition, I am from the Bay Area and was thrilled to have the opportunity to study medicine close to my friends, family, and community.

My favorite thing about the JMP is… The JMP leadership. It is such an honor and a joy to attend a medical school where the leadership are all such wonderful people, so accomplished in a range of disciplines, so deeply committed to health equity, social justice, and anti-racism, and so skilled at building and implementing a program that aligns with their values.

My research/community interests: My masters project is focused on better understanding healthcare access, utilization, and barriers to care among people experiencing homelessness in California.

Ask me about: Being an "older-than-average" medical student, being queer in medicine, population health/health services research, research with mentors at UCSF

Email: jessica.fields@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: she/her/heres

Hometown: Istanbul

Undergrad institution: UC Berkeley

I chose the JMP because… of the small, welcoming community.

My favorite thing about the JMP is…the PBL learning environment! I get to learn so much from my peers and it's really exciting to see how we build ideas off of one another.

My research/community interests are… - Eczema, surgical health outcomes - Disability rights - Refugee health - Arts & healing

Ask me about: Turkish food and music!!

Email: yagmurh@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: San Jose

Undergrad institution: UCLA

I chose the JMP because… I wanted to work on health equity and social justice!

My favorite thing about the JMP is… the faculty and staff who support us!!

My research/community interests are… ophthalmology, women's health, working with individuals who are unhoused, first-gen, low-income, or experiencing substance usage

Ask me about: being a first-gen student, caregiver for family, PRIME-US, Suitcase Clinic, yoga, weightlifting, volunteering at the animal shelter, and lastly, my favorite shows on Netflix!!!

Email: ehoang@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: he/him/his

Hometown: Fontana, CA

Undergrad institution: UCLA

I chose the JMP because… I think it is important for physicians to have an understanding of medicine beyond what we learn in the classroom. You can use medicine in everything from global outreach efforts to your local schools and political campaigns.

My favorite thing about the JMP is… Flexibility! I feel like I am able to do something I enjoy every single day, whether it be going to social events, weightlifting, or working on pet projects.

My research/community interests are… Medical education, epidemiology, cancer research, nutrition, mentorship, community health, K-12 pipelines

Ask me about: Anything! What it's like being a student, a first-gen in medicine, or how to find things you are passionate about :)

Email: cesarmartinez@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: she/hers

Hometown: San Jose, CA

Undergrad institution: UC Berkeley

I chose the JMP because… I wanted to study medicine from an intersectional lens and there's nowhere else that allows you to be a grad student and a med student at the same time!

My favorite thing about the JMP is… everything! my beautiful, talented, dedicated classmates and faculty who inspire me every day, the fact that we're not afraid to be critical of medicine and broader social institutions, PBL as the way in which we learn, etc.

My research/community interests are… the intersection between health and human rights (my thesis explores the different facets of providing care for migrants and refugees at the US/Mexico border), applying critical theory to public health and medicine, medical anthropology, storytelling as a tool for change, political determinants of health

Ask me about: work-life balance, music, best coffeeshops in the Bay, existentialism

Email: knambiar731@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: Sacramento, CA

Undergrad institution: UC Berkeley

I chose the JMP because… I wanted to go to a medical school that cares about its community's health, has world class faculty that are tackling the biggest social issues, and is a tight knit community!

My favorite thing about the JMP is… the people!!! My classmates especially. I don't know how I could get through med school without them at this point.

My research/community interests are… Derm, specifically skin health for communities of color

Ask me about: Asian food in the bay and music!

Email: vivianyang@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: Ventura, CA

Undergrad institution: UC Berkeley

I chose the JMP because…I saw models of student activism and community engagement that I wanted to embody. I wanted the time and spaciousness to explore and give time to my passions outside of medicine, while learning to become an excellent doctor.

My favorite thing about the JMP is… The opportunity for mentorship from and incredible executive team and faculty has been instrumental to my personal and professional growth. I value the relationships I have built. In my time at the JMP, I have certainly felt anxious and insecure about my clinical knowledge but I am closing out my final semester feeling trust in my knowledge and ability to continuously learn and grow. I have come to feel safe in the group learning enviornment and because most assessments and exams are low stakes, I value being able to prioritize my learning instead of dwelling in worry about my performance.

My research/community interests are… Community organizing and policy advocacy toward abolition and labor justice, elder care and palliative care

Ask me about: research within the social sciences; nature to explore in the Bay area; pursuing a career in medicine despite struggling with the violence it perpetuates

Email: rhdesai10@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: He/him

Hometown: Houston

Undergrad institution: Harvard

I chose the JMP because… I wanted a complete, self-determined medical education.

My favorite thing about the JMP is… being good friends with all my classmates and the faculty!

My research/community interests are… risk models, causal inference, longitudinal data

Ask me about: F1, planes, tech

Email: szamirpour@berkeley.edu

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Iloilo City, Philippines | Union City, CA

Undergrad institution: University of California, Berkeley

I chose the JMP because… I was excited about the idea of problem based learning and learning medicine in a different way than the traditional classroom setting. I also wanted to push myself as a researcher and through the master's portion and the mentors I sought out for, I achieved that.

My favorite thing about the JMP is… the friends and relationships I have formed with the class and certain faculty members who were supportive.

My research/community interests are… DEI/Diversity in Healthcare Leaders and Physicians, Vision health disparities, disaggregating AAPI data, Filipino community health, policy and advocacy, medical education, improving cataract/ophthalmologic outcomes

Ask me about: First gen, Filipino-American experiences, immigrant experiences, school/academics, balancing family

Email: marycon.jiro@ucsf.edu