White Coat Profile Photo Derek Dennard.

Student Spotlight: Derek Dennard

Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2027

  • AZ - Glendale
鈥淚 aim to inspire Black and Hispanic minority children to pursue medical careers, addressing disparities in underserved communities. My goal is to be a living testament that individuals from diverse backgrounds can excel in medicine.鈥
Derek Dennard, Osteopathic Medicine, 2027

Name: Derek Dennard

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Undergraduate degree:

University of Texas at San Antonio, B.S. in Biology. 
色多多视频 鈥 Downers Grove, M.A. in Biomedical Sciences.

Current program(s) of study:

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Master鈥檚 of Public Health (dual-degree)

What inspired you to pursue a healthcare career? 

My career choice of becoming a doctor is driven by the severe underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic individuals in the field of medicine. Less than three percent of physicians in the U.S. are Black males. Growing up, I always recognized the lack of diverse healthcare role models, which fueled my determination to become a doctor and a role model for underrepresented minority children. I aim to inspire Black and Hispanic minority children to pursue medical careers, addressing disparities in underserved communities. My goal is to be a living testament that individuals from diverse backgrounds can excel in medicine.

Why did you decide to attend 色多多视频? 

I believe that being comfortable and feeling welcomed on campus during such a rigorous program can play a vital role in a student鈥檚 success. A truly supportive atmosphere can boost confidence while reducing stress, which can work in tandem to enhance a student鈥檚 learning capacity. 色多多视频鈥檚 Glendale Campus harvests an environment that provided me with a sense of belonging and made me feel comfortable from the second I stepped on campus, which I did not feel from other university campuses, leading me to believe I would have the best opportunity for success here at 色多多视频. 

Derek Dennard Photos of him going on adventures.
Derek Dennard enjoys traveling and snowboarding.

What about a 色多多视频 education do you want to carry forward in your career?

Midwestern fosters collaboration across diverse medical career fields and promotes interdisciplinary teamwork. As I progress in my career, I aspire to apply this proficiency in effective collaboration to my specialty, ensuring patients receive comprehensive and efficient healthcare.

Anything else you'd like to add? 

For those still in the process of selecting a graduate school, graduate programs can be challenging regardless of the field or institution. Choose a school that prioritizes community well-being and values students as individuals, placing importance on their mental and physical well-being rather than just a financial benefit for the school.

For those who have chosen 色多多视频, embrace the upcoming challenges. Assistance is essential for everyone at some point in this journey. Don't hesitate to seek help early on. Be happy and proud with your school/career choices, and I look forward to crossing paths with you on campus soon.

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