Fri Apr 24, 2026: Stanford PA Student Panel: What It Takes to Get In and Thrive

Brianna Alvarado is a first-generation Mexican American from Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science and minors in Chemistry and Spanish. During her 4 gap years, she gained patient care experience hours as a patient care assistant at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in the neurology PCU unit. She always knew she wanted to work in the medical field in some aspect because she wanted to give back to the communities that she grew up in. Growing up, she rarely saw providers that looked like her and shared her culture, so she wanted to be a part of the change to diversify medicine. Her journey ultimately led her to apply to the PA school because sher knew it would provide her with the best opportunity to help patients through quality patient care. Fortunately, she ended up at Stanford University School of Medicine, where she can continue to strive for change.

Robin Cadd is a clinically-driven educator and healthcare professional dedicated to medical instruction and patient-centered care. A Magna Cum Laude graduate from UCLA in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Robin has bridged the gap between academic theory and clinical practice throughout her career.
Currently, Robin serves as the Recruitment Chair for Stanford’s Latino Medical Student Association and Co-Lead for Stanford’s Pediatric Interest Group, where she continues to champion health equity and medical outreach. Her background is defined by a commitment to mentorship and community health, having previously served as a crisis counselor, a health educator with UCLA Patient Health Advocates, a medical translator for local hospitals, and the head medical assistant at a busy dermatology practice where she personally coached over 18 clinical staff members.
When the white coat is put away, Robin can be found enjoying a good book, painting her stress away, and spending time with loved ones. 

Monika Cebreros is a first-generation Latina PA student at Stanford University. She grew up in the Los Angeles area and attended UCLA, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Evolutionary Medicine. During her gap years, she obtained her EMT license and worked on an ambulance serving Los Angeles County. After 1.5 years in emergency medical services, she transitioned into the clinical setting as an ophthalmic technician in Pasadena, CA.
These experiences have shaped Monika into a future provider committed to bridging gaps in access to high-quality care, particularly for uninsured and underserved populations. As she works toward earning her PA degree and licensure, she hopes to serve communities through primary care, urgent care, or emergency medicine. As a first-generation student herself, Monika is passionate about encouraging others from similar backgrounds to pursue their goals and achieve their full potential.​​

Gisselle De Leon is a first-generation Guatemalan-American student who grew up north of San Francisco in the Bay Area and is currently a first-year Physician Assistant (PA) student at Stanford University. She graduated summa cum laude from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Public Health and double minors in Biological Sciences and Communication Studies, and later completed San Francisco State University’s Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Program in preparation for Physician Assistant school. 
Prior to PA school, Gisselle worked as a medical assistant in Dermatology, Otolaryngology, and Ophthalmology, and served as an interpreter and scribe at RotaCare Bay Area, a free clinic that primarily serves Spanish-speaking patients. She also contributed to research focused on strengthening patient-physician relationships, health equity, and caregiver preparedness for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Through her clinical, research, and community experiences, Gisselle is committed to building trusting patient-provider relationships and advocating for more equitable healthcare.