Sat Dec 6, 2025: UCSD Medical Student Panel — PRIME-HEq Pathways for Change-Makers

My name is Edith Lopez. I grew up in Southeast Los Angeles, and I am a proud first-generation student from a low-income and immigrant background. I was the first in my family to graduate from high school and college–and now the first in my family pursuing a medical degree.
I graduated from Middlebury College in 2022 with a B.A. in Neuroscience, and before starting medical school, I took three gap years where I worked as a clinical research assistant at Boston Children’s Hospital. I am currently a first year medical student in the PRIME-HEq program at UC San Diego School of Medicine

My name is Carolina Lopez, and I am the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants. I grew up in Escondido, California, a city marked by pronounced differences in opportunity and resources within the community. I attended UC San Diego, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Human Biology with a minor in Psychology in 2023. After graduating, I studied for the MCAT and worked as a pediatric medical assistant in a small private practice in my hometown, where I had the privilege of giving back to my community. I also volunteered at the UCSD Student-Run Free Clinic as a Floor Manager, where I helped set up the clinic, monitored patient check-ins, and supported volunteers with organizational and logistical questions. I am currently a first-year medical student in the PRIME-HEq program at the UC San Diego School of Medicine.

My name is Christopher Nunez. I grew up in Sacramento, CA and am a first-generation, low-income student. I attended Columbia University through the QuestBridge Match and Gates Scholarship where I majored in Biology and concentrated in Astronomy. During my undergraduate career, I participated in cardiac electrophysiology research, volunteered at the Bellevue Hospital emergency department, and engaged in many student groups to support disadvantaged students on campus. I took 1 gap year where I worked at a healthcare AI startup in NYC as a lead of the patient experience team. I am currently a first-year medical student in the PRIME-HEq program at UC San Diego School of Medicine.

My name is Andrea Sawaya. I grew up in Lebanon and immigrated to the US during the pandemic. I attended community college in San Diego and transferred to UCSD, where I graduated with a BS in Psychology with a specialization in human health. 
Before medical school, I did research with fruit flies, volunteered at the Trauma Department at UCSD Health, worked as a server at a restaurant, and was part of the California Medicine Scholars Program. I’m currently a first-year medical student in the PRIME-HEq program at UC San Diego School of Medicine. 

My name is Adrian Rios and I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, an urbanized valley 20 minutes from Los Angeles with a majority Latino/Hispanic population. I am the son of two Mexican immigrants and the first in my family to go to college. I went to community college for two years before transferring to UCLA where I received my Bachelors in Psychology in 2021. After graduation I served as a Community Health Outreach worker during the height of the covid pandemic to increase the vaccination rate of the Spanish-speaking populations within my home of the San Fernando Valley. I also worked three years as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles where I managed the various different aspects of multiple clinical trials ranging from long-covid studies in children, to cardiology and cardiothoracic research studies where my team and I explored novel treatments for diseases such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome. I am currently a first-year medical student in the PRIME-HEq program at UC San Diego School of Medicine.

My name is Taylor, and I was raised in Los Angeles. My mom is Mexican and my dad is Mexican-Polish, both first-generation entrepreneurs who built careers without degrees. After high school, I attended a small liberal arts college in Seattle on scholarship, but realized I couldn’t afford to stay and wasn’t passionate about my major. I moved to Sonoma, enrolled at Santa Rosa Junior College, and took every science and math class available. There, I discovered my love for physics which led me to work as a physics TA and complete a teaching fellowship. Around the same time, I began working at a small primary care clinic. I worked closely with first responders and immigrant patients—populations that reminded me of home and the community that shaped me. I later transferred to UC San Diego and earned a B.S. in biophysics while continuing to support the clinic remotely and conducting quantitative microbiology research. After graduating, I returned to the clinic as manager, implementing protocols to support low-income patients and hiring staff from diverse backgrounds, making scheduling flexible so they could pursue their goals. Currently, I’m an MS1 at UC San Diego and part of the PRIME-HEq cohort.

My name is Julman Bottino, and I am a proud MD Candidate at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine (UCSD SOM). As the President of the Latino Medical Student Association and leader of the Plastic Surgery and General Surgery Student Interest Groups, I am deeply committed to advancing diversity in medicine and advocating for underserved communities.
I was born in Venezuela, and my journey to medicine has been shaped by overcoming significant barriers, including socioeconomic challenges, language obstacles, and discrimination after immigrating to the United States. Growing up in rural areas with limited access to healthcare inspired my passion for addressing health disparities and ensuring equitable healthcare for all.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Sciences from the University of Florida, where I embraced leadership roles in organizations like Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Epsilon Delta. My interest in research began early, with projects focusing on breast cancer chemotherapy toxicity and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Presenting my research at prestigious conferences, such as the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic journey.
Professionally, I’ve worked as a Quality Control Microbiologist at VIVEX Biologics, where I focused on regenerative medicine, and as a Laboratory Technician in pediatric care, sharpening my skills in microbiology, documentation, and patient-centered practices. I also founded Bottivia N Distributors, an entrepreneurial venture that allowed me to connect with diverse audiences and develop my business expertise. Beyond academics and work, I am passionate about community service and mentorship. Through programs like the California Medicine Scholars Program, I’ve had the privilege of empowering future healthcare providers and advocating for underrepresented communities. I firmly believe in the importance of ethnic and racial representation in medicine, and I strive to make healthcare more inclusive and accessible for all.
My experiences have strengthened my passion for humanism in medicine and taught me the importance of evidence-based, collaborative care. As I continue my journey at UCSD SOM, I am excited to participate in cutting-edge research, serve underserved populations through student-run clinics, and contribute to the diversity and excellence of my class. My ultimate goal is to provide compassionate care while inspiring others through my journey as a future physician.