Melissa Gonzalez, MD
PGY-2 Psychiatry Resident
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Stanford Medicine
Friday, April 10, 2026,
5pm-6:30pm PST
Workshop Description:
The path to medicine is rarely linear, and for many students—especially those from community colleges, first-generation backgrounds, or underrepresented communities—obstacles and naysayers can feel constant. This workshop is designed for community college and university premed students who want practical strategies to stay grounded, keep believing, and serve with purpose while building a competitive medical school journey. Melissa Gonzalez, MD, a PGY-2 Psychiatry Resident in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Stanford Medicine, will share how she navigated doubt, protected her motivation, and turned lived experience into strengths that translate into meaningful service and professional growth. Drawing on her commitment to mental health education, wellness, and mentorship, she will discuss resilience without burnout, cultivating supportive communities, and aligning your activities with authentic values rather than external pressure. You can come, ask your questions, and get answers in a candid, supportive conversation, hearing directly from the source instead of second-hand misinformation from people who have no clue about the admissions process or the realities of training. Leave with renewed clarity, concrete next steps, and a mindset built for the long game.
About the Speaker:
r. Melissa Gonzalez is a psychiatry resident at Stanford with a passion for mental health education, wellness, and mentorship for first-generation and underrepresented students pursuing careers in medicine. She earned her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and her medical degree from the University of Southern California (USC). As a first-generation physician and daughter of immigrants, she is committed to reducing stigma, expanding access to mental health care, and creating culturally responsive psychoeducation. Outside of clinical work, she enjoys art, traveling, and running.
Register for Free:
What: From Doubt to Doctor: Overcoming Naysayers Through Belief and Service
When: Friday, April 10, 2026, 5 PM (Pacific Standard Time)
You will receive an immediate email confirmation of your registration from Zoom. PLEASE check your SPAM or JUNK folder, as the email might be directed there. Additionally, you will receive an email reminder from Zoom ONE hour before the event, sent to the same email address you used for registration.
