About SOMOS 

Who We Are

SOMOS Latinx en Medicina is a student-led pre-health organization at UCSC dedicated to supporting and uplifting Latinx students pursuing careers in medicine and healthcare. We strive to create space rooted in mentorship, representation, and mutual support, empowering one another to navigate academic paths, professional development, and service to our communities with purpose and pride. 

Our Mission and Values

Community, Mentorship, and Growth 

We believe in the power of community. We strive to create a welcoming space where students feel supported, understood, and encouraged throughout their academic and professional journeys. We value mentorship as a tool for empowerment, providing guidance, resources, and opportunities that help students grow personally, academically, and professionally.

Representation and Advocacy 

We are committed to increasing Latinx representation in medicine and advocating for equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive care within healthcare systems. We honor and celebrate our diverse cultural identities, recognizing them as sources of strength, resilience, and motivation in our pursuit of medicine

Service and Accountability 

We are driven by a commitment to serve our communities with compassion, integrity, and responsibility, recognizing the importance of giving back and uplifting others.

What SOMOS Offers

1. Shadowing opportunities

• • Access to clinical shadowing experiences with partnering clinics, hospitals, and professionals (such as CSVS) that allow members to explore healthcare settings and gain firsthand exposure to medical professionals

2. Career exposure & panels

• • Panels and events featuring healthcare professionals and students who share insights on career paths, medical training, and navigating the journey to healthcare careers.

3. Academic and peer support

• • A supportive network that promotes academic success through shared resources, peer mentorship, and collaborative learning opportunities.

4. Community engagement

• • A dedicated effort to uplift Latinx voices in medicine by fostering representation, advocacy, and culturally informed leadership in healthcare spaces 

Commitment to Latinx Representation in Healthcare

SOMOS Latinx en Medicina is deeply committed to increasing Latinx representation in healthcare by supporting aspiring medical professionals, promoting mentorship, and advocating for equity and culturally responsive care. We work to break down systemic barriers and empower our members to serve their communities with cultural understanding and compassion. We believe that representation matters, not only for future physicians, but for the communities they serve.