My name is MaryJane Gomez, and I am a fourth-year student in Global and Community Health Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz. I first became interested in equitable healthcare when I was growing up and struggled to find consistent, high-quality treatment for an autoimmune disease. Because of my family’s limited income and insurance challenges, it was difficult to secure a specialist, and my health issues became worse. That experience showed me how important it is to address the social factors that affect health, and it motivated me to explore ways to improve access for all patients.

I am especially focused on reducing health inequities by understanding how economic and environmental conditions shape patient care. As part of a farmworker health research project at UCSC, I help train promotores, or community health workers, so they can educate and advocate for people in their own communities. This role has convinced me that hands-on projects and accessible healthcare resources can bring about lasting change.

During a gap year, I earned my Emergency Medical Technician certification and worked as a 911 first responder with American Ambulance in Fresno, California. This high-pressure environment strengthened my interest in emergency medicine and trauma surgery. It also taught me how crucial it is to act quickly and communicate clearly in life-threatening situations. Currently, I serve as an EMT at a sobering center in Santa Cruz, where I see every day how prevention and harm reduction can shape patient outcomes. These experiences have helped me stay calm in stressful moments and adapt to different patient needs.

At UCSC, my coursework has deepened my understanding of how policy, community engagement, and health disparities intersect. Through these classes, I have realized that perseverance, empathy, and a commitment to service are just as important as medical skills. Outside of academics and my EMT work, I enjoy spending time with my cats, playing League of Legends, and going to the beach. These hobbies keep me grounded and remind me that personal well-being is an essential part of healthcare, too.

Looking ahead, I plan to attend medical school and specialize in emergency medicine or trauma surgery. I want to combine strong clinical skills with an understanding of how social and economic factors affect people’s health. By advocating for policies that lower barriers to care, I hope to help create better health outcomes for individuals and entire communities.