Fri Sep 20: Breaking Barriers: Stanford Physician Assistant Student Panel

Karyna Bravo was raised in a Hispanic household just outside of Chicago. After overcoming the challenges of a low-income community, she sought to make a greater impact and joined the United States Marine Corps, where she achieved the rank of sergeant and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After leaving the military, she pursued a deeper understanding of the clinical effects of military service. Karyna graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, focusing her research on the efficacy of evidence-based treatments for PTSD. To further her ability to support systematically disadvantaged populations, she is currently completing her master’s degree in physician assistant studies at Stanford University. Driven by a passion for advocating for underserved communities, Karyna is dedicated to making a positive impact and using her life experiences to mentor others in overcoming adversity. Her service and humble leadership have earned her the opportunity to be named a Pat Tillman scholar.

Bahieh Noorafkan is a first-generation college student originally from Iran. She moved to California about 13 years ago to pursue higher education, which was denied to her back home. She began her college journey at an adult school in Fremont, then attended De Anza Community College to explore her interests, and eventually received her BS in Neurobiology from UC Davis. After graduating, she decided to serve her community by becoming part of the EMS services, but most of her clinical experience comes from volunteering in free community clinics. Serving underrepresented communities is her passion. Bahieh feels blessed to be very close to her family and to have their support as she goes through PA school. So far, her favorite aspect of Stanford’s PA program is the small class size and the strong sense of community among her amazing classmates.

Taylor Blow is a first-generation college student from Western Massachusetts, currently entering the second year of PA school at Stanford. Taylor graduated with a Bachelor of Public Health from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 2020. After graduation, she worked as an infection control technician, EMT, and ER Tech while navigating the pre-med/pre-health application process. During the PA School application process, Taylor was also accepted into the Navy Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP). As part of this program, she is currently a Collegiate Officer and will serve as an Officer and PA in the Navy after graduation.

Athenna Menjivar is a first-generation Filipino-Salvadoran American from the San Francisco Bay Area. She received her bachelor’s degree in Human Biology from the University of California San Diego in 2021 and is currently in her second year as a PA student at Stanford University. Prior to PA school, Athenna worked as a medical assistant in cardiology for approximately 2.5 years. As an NHSC scholar, her goal is to work in primary care. Athenna is passionate about empowering students from underrepresented backgrounds to enter the health profession and is committed to addressing the needs of underserved communities.

Justus Bell is a second-year MSPA student at Stanford University. He was born and raised in Long Beach, CA. In 2021, Justus received his bachelor’s degree in Hispanic Studies from Pepperdine University, located in Malibu, CA. He then worked as an EMT for two years, first for an IFT ambulance company in LA County before moving to the emergency department as an ER Tech at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, CA. Upon graduation, he hopes to continue working in underserved communities to increase access to healthcare there. He is interested in primary care while also being open to a return to the emergency department.