Three 麻豆视频 students are advancing their career goals in health professions through their participation in the at the University of Washington (UW). This spring, Jaspinder Kaur, Andrea Acevedo and Guillermo Verdin were selected as scholars in the prestigious national program, which aims to enhance diversity in health professions and improve access to quality healthcare.
Since June 23, Kaur, Acevedo and Verdin have been immersed in a rigorous six-week enrichment program designed to help them explore their unique roles in enhancing community health. Through a curriculum that delves into self-identity, culture and personal strengths, these scholars are gaining insights into various health professions and their impact on society.
"It's so inspiring to see these YVC STEM/Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) students accepted into a supportive and competitive program like SHPEP,鈥� said YVC STEM Director Cristy Rasmussen. 鈥淭he opportunities and resources provided can really make a difference in shaping futures, especially for pre-med students."
Jaspinder Kaur
TOP: STEM students from left, Jaspinder Kaur, Guillermo Verdin and Heidy Lemus talk outside of Glenn Anthon Hall. ABOVE: Kaur in YVC's Glenn Anthon Hall.
Losing both of her grandmothers to illness deepened Kaur鈥檚 desire to become a doctor.
鈥淚'm drawn to medicine because I'm very passionate about studying the intricacies of the human body and helping make a difference in the community,鈥� said Kaur, who is interested in the field of internal medicine.
She鈥檚 eager to participate in the SHPEP and build her knowledge of medical careers.
鈥淚'm really excited about forming connections with mentors and hardworking healthcare professionals who can guide me on my journey,鈥� said Kaur. 鈥淚'm also looking forward to being in an environment surrounded by motivated students who share the same passion as me for medicine.鈥�
Additionally, participating in SHPEP will help Kaur strengthen her academic standards, giving her support, knowledge and hands-on experience that will allow her to succeed in medical school.
Kaur graduated from YVC in June and plans to transfer to Central Washington University where she will pursue a degree in biomedical science.
Guillermo Verdin
Verdin outside of Raymond Hall Library on YVC's Yakima Campus.
Verdin hopes the SHPEP experience will prepare him to enter medical school at the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, where his goal is to study addiction psychiatry.
鈥淚 want to help individuals facing challenges similar to those I have encountered in my own life,鈥� said Verdin. 鈥淚 am drawn to the academic rigor of psychiatry, particularly the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms underlying addiction. The intersection of research, clinical practice and patient advocacy excites me, and I look forward to immersing myself in both the scientific and humanistic aspects of the field.鈥�
SHPEP will allow Verdin to begin shadowing professionals in the field, not only to gain firsthand experience but also to develop the skills and discipline necessary to thrive as a medical student.
Andrea Acevedo
Acevedo has always dreamed of a career in medicine, but it was through job shadowing and researching the healthcare needs of the Yakima community that she discovered her true passion: dentistry.
鈥淪eeing individuals walk in with pain or discomfort and leave with relief inspired me to pursue dentistry,鈥� said Acevedo. 鈥淢y goal is to serve my community by providing quality dental care and helping improve the overall health and well-being of my future patients.鈥�
Acevedo is particularly motivated to address language barriers in local healthcare, ensuring effective communication and better patient care.
鈥淎s a bilingual dentist, I aspire to give back by providing voluntary dental services to those in need,鈥� said Acevedo. 鈥淢y goal is to ensure that Spanish-speaking patients can communicate easily and comfortably during treatment, allowing them to receive the quality care they deserve without fear or misunderstanding.鈥�
Acevedo looks forward to the opportunity to collaborate with peers who share her passions and aspirations. She anticipates that working alongside others who are also pursuing careers in dentistry will be a new and enriching experience.
鈥淟earning directly from health professionals in an immersive, hands-on environment for an entire month is truly a blessing,鈥� said Acevedo. 鈥淚 look forward to gaining valuable insights, expanding my knowledge, and growing personally and professionally through this program.鈥�
鈥淚 want to provide a welcoming environment for others, especially underserved communities, ensuring healthcare is accessible to all.鈥�
鈥� Jaspinder Kaur
Acevedo graduated from YVC in June with an associate in arts. She will continue her academic journey in the fall at Central Washington University pursuing a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biology.
UW, one of only 12 host sites nationwide, selects 80 students annually for SHPEP. This year marks a special milestone for YVC, as it's the second time three of its students have been chosen, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the college鈥檚 STEM program staff.
Nora Coronado, director of SHPEP at UW, emphasizes the importance of partnerships like the one with YVC STEM Director Cristy Rasmussen. "Champions of programs like SHPEP are key to the long-term success of students and are crucial for increasing diversity in health professions," Coronado said.
SHPEP offers academic enrichment through classes in foundational sciences and statistics, alongside a curriculum that addresses social determinants of health and health disparities through the lens of social justice. The program, which runs through August 1, 2025, provides each student with a $1,000 stipend distributed in two installments, along with a $100 weekly food supplement.
Coronado finds joy in watching students' career trajectories unfold.
"Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college or consider a career in health professions so they are often navigating the system with less support and knowledge of the processes. Our goal is to provide them with the tools to succeed," said Coronado.
Story by Stefanie Menard, AA-DTA 鈥�05, communications consultant. Photos by Matt Barton, graphic designer/multimedia content producer and Juan Padilla, public relations student assistant.