Wed Feb 28: From CASAPp-etizers to a 5-Course: How to Prepare for the PA School Application Feast

Omar Manuel Núñez is a first-generation Mexican American, born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. He received his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Northridge, where he also became a published organic chemist. He is currently a third-year PA student at Stanford University. His clinical background comes from emergency medicine, as he was an EMT for over 2 years. He is an NHSC scholar, so he intends to work in the primary care setting, but he also loves the idea of working in the ED. His experiences as a son of an immigrant family drive him to diversify medicine and uplift underserved communities inside and outside of medicine. Lifestyle Medicine is an area of interest that he plans on advancing in his practice as a future PA.

Karyna Bravo was raised outside of Chicago in a Hispanic household. She was inspired by her single-mother’s ability to overcome adversity and worked long hours to help contribute to the household income. After graduating high school, she wanted to contribute to something greater.  Thus, she decided to join the United States Marine Corps. During her time in the military, she deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and decided to leave the military to study the clinical effects of military service. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S in psychology from Loyola University in Chicago and devoted her time to clinical research investigating the efficacy of evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Karyna wanted to expand her medical knowledge to further aid systematically disadvantaged populations and is currently completing her master’s degree in physician assistant studies at Stanford.  Karyna has a passion for advocating for underserved communities and wants to make a positive impact on these neighborhoods. She uses her own life experiences and lessons to mentor others on overcoming adversity.

Rene Badillo Jr is a Physician Assistant born and raised in the southernmost part of Texas, known as the Rio Grande Valley. He is a first generation college student, obtaining his bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M University in 2019. He then obtained his patient care experience  working in the organ and tissue transplant field as a tissue procurement specialist. In 2021, he began PA School at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, where he served as class Vice President and as a Student Senator. He graduated in August of 2023 from PA School with honors, and currently works as an Internal Medicine PA in Austin, Texas, specializing in Men’s Primary Care. His experiences as a first gen student inspired his passion to help other first generation students and minorities who are pursuing the healthcare field.

Rigo Ramos Jr., PA-C is a practicing PA currently working in Family Medicine & Urgent Care in Southern California. Community college transfer from Compton College to Cal State Dominguez Hills, where he earned his BA in Human Services in 2014. He attended Cal State Monterey Bay and was president of the inaugural cohort for the Masters of Science in Physician Assistant. He also served as a preceptor to students from Charles Drew University and University of Southern California. He continues to mentor Pre-PAs as the Pre-PA branch leader at the Pathways program at USC’s Primary Care PA Program. He strongly believes in outreach and wants to diversify the field of medicine to be representative of the population.