Dr. Katherine Flores, a family medicine physician who mentored Vanessa Mora Molina at a clinic in Fresno, emphasized the importance of having doctors who not only practice in a community but also understand its unique needs and challenges. This sentiment is echoed by many medical professionals who recognize the significance of recruiting medical students from underserved communities to serve those areas.
Vanessa Mora Molina, a native of Fowler, California, grew up in a small farming town in the San Joaquin Valley where access to basic medical care was often limited, with appointments sometimes taking weeks to secure. Despite these challenges, Mora will be graduating this June with her M.D. from one of UC’s six medical schools, along with over 700 other medical students. The majority of these new doctors, 73%, are expected to remain in California for their residency training.
To learn more about Mora’s journey and the impact of UC’s medical programs on underserved communities, read the full article on the UC Newsroom website.