Today, we shine the spotlight on Arrupe Jesuit alumna, Adriana Gomez, as she embarks on her next exciting chapter, attending medical school. Adriana's passion for medicine was ignited at a young age where she often found herself translating for her family during medical appointments. This early responsibility exposed her to the complexities of the healthcare system and the significant barriers faced by non-English-speaking families. The struggle to access timely and culturally competent care was a recurring challenge, and Adriana witnessed firsthand the frustration and helplessness that often accompanied these experiences.
"My passion for medicine started as a young girl where I spent countless hours translating for my family who sought health care. The complexity of the health care system coupled with the barrier of language made it difficult for my family to access care in a timely manner as well as culturally competent care," Adriana stated.
She envisioned a future where she could make a difference, not just for her family but for countless others who faced similar challenges. Her journey was not just about becoming a doctor; it was about dismantling the difficulties that many individuals experience when navigating the healthcare system. "My aspirations extend beyond personal experiences and encompass dismantling the fear and skepticism experienced by individuals like me, whether as patients or aspiring providers," Adriana expressed.
After graduating from Arrupe Jesuit High School, Adriana earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Health and a certificate in Allied & Professional Health Sciences from the University of Colorado Denver. Adriana went on to complete a Master of Science from Georgetown University with a focus in Microbiology and Immunology.
Her acceptance into Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine marked a significant milestone in her journey. Adriana chose osteopathic medicine because of its holistic approach to patient care. Osteopathic medicine emphasizes treating the whole person, not just the symptoms, and aligns with Adriana's commitment to providing culturally competent and compassionate care.
As Adriana begins her medical education, her goal is to empower individuals from underrepresented communities. She believes that by increasing representation among healthcare providers she can help create a more compassionate and understanding environment for all patients.
"I am pursuing a career that empowers those who share my experiences and have longed for representation in their healthcare providers. My goal is to reshape the prevailing narrative, allowing fellow Latinos to envision themselves as integral components of the healthcare system and firmly believe that they belong," Adriana stated.
Adriana acknowledges the sacrifices made by her family and the encouragement she received from mentors and educators who believed in her potential. "I am eternally grateful for the support of my family and community who believed in me long before I believed in myself," Adriana shared.
The Arrupe Jesuit community takes immense pride in Adriana's accomplishments. Her journey exemplifies the values and principles that we strive to instill in our students. Adriana Gomez's journey from Arrupe Jesuit High School to medical school is a story of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. Her passion for medicine, driven by personal experiences and a deep desire to make a difference, is an inspiration to us all. We invite you to join us in celebrating Adriana's achievements and supporting her as she pursues her dream of becoming a compassionate and culturally competent healthcare provider.
Congratulations, Adriana! Your Arrupe Jesuit family is incredibly proud of you, and we look forward to witnessing the remarkable impact you will undoubtedly make in the world of medicine.
