Denise Martinez, MD
Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Professor of Family Medicine
UC Riverside School of Medicine
Saturday, June 13, 2026
10am-11:30am PST
Workshop Description:
Activism and advocacy are not separate from medicine—they are part of how future physicians learn to serve communities, challenge inequities, and improve the systems that shape patient health. This student-centered and inspirational workshop is designed for community college and university premed students who want to turn concern into action while building a meaningful path toward medicine. Denise Martinez, MD, Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Professor of Family Medicine at UC Riverside School of Medicine, will discuss how premed students can lead with purpose through service, community engagement, health equity work, mentorship, and advocacy grounded in humility and responsibility. She will also share how activism can strengthen your development as a future physician when it is connected to sustained commitment, reflection, and real impact. You can come, ask your questions and get answers in a supportive environment focused on courage, clarity, and practical next steps. Most importantly, come hear directly from the source instead of second-hand or bad information or people who have no clue about the admission process. Leave inspired to use your voice, your story, and your service to create change.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Denise Martinez currently holds the position of Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and serves as Professor of Family Medicine at UC Riverside School of Medicine since August 2023. Her journey has come full circle as she returned to the Inland Empire of California, where she spent her formative years, to continue her mission of promoting diversity and equity in healthcare education and practice.
Before her tenure at UC Riverside, Dr. Martinez was recognized as the youngest medical school assistant/associate dean in the country, ultimately spending 12 years at the University of Iowa School of Medicine in leadership and serving last two as Associate Vice President for Health Parity for University of Iowa Health Care.
Throughout her career, Dr. Martinez’s dedication to DEI and health disparities have garnered awards such including the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award for Early Career Achievement at the University of Iowa, the institutions highest award. In 2022, she was also honored with the National Latino Medical Student Association’s Faculty of the Year Award for her unwavering commitment to mentoring students, her tireless efforts to reduce health disparities, and her innovative work in creating pathway programs. She additionally has been named one of the 100 Inspiring Hispanic/Latinx Scientists in America by Cell Mentor, and previously awarded 40 under 40 for Minority Health by the National Minority Quality Forum.
Register for Free:
What: Advocacy in Action: How Premed Students Can Lead, Serve, and Create Change
When: Saturday, Jun 13, 2026, 10 AM (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.
