Pathway Scholars Graduate, Set to Join Class of 2029

Twelve Pathway Scholars earned their master’s degrees in Medical Sciences from the University of Arizona Graduate College on May 16, which will lead them to matriculate into the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix’s Class of 2029 this July.

The Pathway Scholars Program (PSP) is a one-year program at the college that prepares students from disadvantaged backgrounds for success in medical school. During their year of studies, the students develop specific academic and leadership skills that will lead them to succeed as medical students.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Pathway Scholars students Vivian Mendoza-Leon, Yassin Hamzaoui and Vy Bui greeted the audience in Spanish, Arabic and Vietnamese, respectively.

Dean Fred E. Wondisford, MD, MS, MBA, provided the welcome remarks to an audience composed of friends and families of this year’s cohort.

“This program is unique. You get more than a taste of what it will be like to be a medical student,” Dean Wondisford said. “I believe strongly in this program, so much so that we’re going to increase the class size from 12 to 16.”

Francisco Lucio, JD, senior associate dean, Health Care Advancement, spoke about the successes of previous graduates of the PSP and how he views this year’s class continuing the trend.

“We know that our students have gone on to do amazing research. They are lauded for their compassion and their work in the clinical realm, and they’re oftentimes leaders of our student organizations,” Dean Lucio said. “I expect nothing less of our cohort this year as they go into the next chapter of their education.”

Dean Lucio introduced Maria Castro, MD, assistant director for the college’s Doctoring curriculum, as the ceremony’s keynote speaker.

“Dr. Castro is a family physician and medical educator who spent most of her career in community-based teaching centers,” Dean Lucio said. “She’s been a great supporter of [PSP] for many years.”

In her speech, Dr. Castro spoke of the challenges she had growing up when her family immigrated from Peru to Detroit, Michigan, when she was four years old. She also discussed challenges navigating an education system that lacked college prep courses.

“When growing up, my parents did their best to provide us with educational opportunities,” Dr. Castro said. “I was also fortunate to have a handful of dedicated teachers and counselors who not only provided encouragement, but also much needed guidance in terms of preparing for college.”

In her concluding statements, Dr. Castro congratulated the students for overcoming their struggles so far. Reflecting on her own challenges, she viewed them as opportunities to become stronger.

“When people doubt you, take a moment to look at your village and count your blessings,” Dr. Castro said. “Remember everything that you’ve already overcome and everything that you’ve already accomplished. It’s a privilege to work with students like you because you inspire me.”

This year, graduates Trevon Brooks, MPH and Joanna Marie Hilao, MS both served as the student speakers at the ceremony.

Brooks discussed the cohort’s Legacy Project. This year, the recipient of their project was the Sonoran Science Academy, a local Title I K-12 school that serves a large refugee student population. The PSP students raised $1,980 for the school and provided school supplies and dental hygiene kits in collaboration with Delta Dental and College staff and faculty.

“Our Legacy Project wasn’t just about giving back. It was about showing up and standing up with our community,” Brooks said.

Hilao built on that sentiment in her remarks. “We are not just looking at the future of medicine,” she said. “We are looking at the future leaders of medicine — the policy changers, the healers, the innovators and the community builders.”

The ceremony concluded with a diploma presentation as each student was called to the stage to receive their graduation certificate. Gillian Reynoso, MD, a previous PSP student and recent graduate from the college’s Class of 2025, provided encouragement to the incoming medical students.

Nafis Shamsid-Deen, MD, the assistant dean of admissions at the college, then offered the closing remarks, congratulating them and admiring the skills that led the aspiring doctors to this moment.

“All those obstacles that you overcame are the reasons why you guys aren’t just going to be medical students but medical leaders of tomorrow,” Dr. Shamsid-Deen said. “There are certain things we just can’t teach in curriculum.”

The Pathway Scholars Program Class of 2025

• Trevon Brooks.
• Vy Bui.
• Ricardo Gomez.
• Joel Pasillas Gonzalez.
• Yassin Hamzaoui.
• Naif Hebo.
• Joanna Marie Hilao.
• Vivian Mendoza-Leon
• Sara Ornelas.
• Julia Phillips.
• Heidi Piña.
• Rebecca Rodrigues.

Photos from the event