“I aim to inspire Black and Hispanic minority children to pursue medical careers, addressing disparities in underserved communities. My goal is to be a living testament that individuals from diverse backgrounds can excel in medicine.â€
Name: Derek Dennard
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Undergraduate degree:
University of Texas at San Antonio, B.S. in Biology.
³ûÄñÊÓƵ – Downers Grove, M.A. in Biomedical Sciences.
Current program(s) of study:
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Master’s of Public Health (dual-degree)
What inspired you to pursue a healthcare career?
My career choice of becoming a doctor is driven by the severe underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic individuals in the field of medicine. Less than three percent of physicians in the U.S. are Black males. Growing up, I always recognized the lack of diverse healthcare role models, which fueled my determination to become a doctor and a role model for underrepresented minority children. I aim to inspire Black and Hispanic minority children to pursue medical careers, addressing disparities in underserved communities. My goal is to be a living testament that individuals from diverse backgrounds can excel in medicine.
Why did you decide to attend ³ûÄñÊÓƵ?
I believe that being comfortable and feeling welcomed on campus during such a rigorous program can play a vital role in a student’s success. A truly supportive atmosphere can boost confidence while reducing stress, which can work in tandem to enhance a student’s learning capacity. ³ûÄñÊÓƵ’s Glendale Campus harvests an environment that provided me with a sense of belonging and made me feel comfortable from the second I stepped on campus, which I did not feel from other university campuses, leading me to believe I would have the best opportunity for success here at ³ûÄñÊÓƵ.
What about a ³ûÄñÊÓƵ education do you want to carry forward in your career?
³ûÄñÊÓƵ fosters collaboration across diverse medical career fields and promotes interdisciplinary teamwork. As I progress in my career, I aspire to apply this proficiency in effective collaboration to my specialty, ensuring patients receive comprehensive and efficient healthcare.
Anything else you'd like to add?
For those still in the process of selecting a graduate school, graduate programs can be challenging regardless of the field or institution. Choose a school that prioritizes community well-being and values students as individuals, placing importance on their mental and physical well-being rather than just a financial benefit for the school.
For those who have chosen ³ûÄñÊÓƵ, embrace the upcoming challenges. Assistance is essential for everyone at some point in this journey. Don't hesitate to seek help early on. Be happy and proud with your school/career choices, and I look forward to crossing paths with you on campus soon.
