Beyond the Traditional Route: Diverse Paths to Becoming a Doctor – Student Panel at UAG

At the UAG School of Medicine, we know that every student’s journey toward becoming a physician is distinct. There’s no one-size-fits-all path. Some students arrive right after college, others pivot themselves from unrelated careers, and many face challenges along the way. To celebrate these diverse stories, we hosted the student panel “Beyond the Traditional Route: Diverse Paths to Becoming a Doctor.” This dynamic event highlighted the experiences of four students—each at a different stage in their medical education, proving that becoming a doctor is about determination, growth, and resilience.

The panel featured:

Andrea Ozaeta – 1st Semester
Juan Escalera – 3rd Semester
Jaime Velasco – 3rd Semester
Anne Kaiser – 4th Semester

Their journeys reflect the diversity of challenges and triumphs faced by today’s aspiring doctors. Each story showed that the path to medical school is rarely linear—and that’s exactly what makes UAG’s flexible, supportive approach the right fit for students from all walks of life.

From Business, Research, and Service to Medicine: A Journey Redefined

For Anne Kaiser, the road to medicine started far from the clinical setting. “I initially studied business,” she explained, “but my experience working as a scribe gave me a firsthand view of patient care. That exposure inspired me to pivot toward medicine, first through studying nutrition and later during a service year in Bolivia, where I truly felt called to pursue this career.”

Her transition to UAG has been both challenging and rewarding. “Moving to Guadalajara was an adjustment, but UAG has given me hands-on clinical exposure through rotations and volunteer work with G-Medic, a nonprofit founded by a UAG graduate. In two years, I’ve participated in 23 medical brigades, treating patients in remote communities who hadn't seen a doctor in years.”

Anne's experience has shaped her understanding of preventive medicine and family care, two fields she hadn’t initially considered. “UAG’s diversity teaches you how to interact with patients from different backgrounds, helping us develop empathy and cultural competence that will serve us throughout our careers.”

Overcoming Challenges: Resilience in the Face of Personal Obstacles

Andrea Ozaeta's passion for healthcare was sparked early through a teen pregnancy prevention program where she educated high school students on sexual health. However, her journey wasn’t without setbacks. “Unexpected personal challenges forced me to take two gap years after college,” she shared. “Losing a family member was especially difficult, but it strengthened my resolve. The friendships I’ve built at UAG have been a critical part of my support system.”

Andrea’s time at UAG has offered unparalleled clinical exposure from the very beginning. “In just three months, I’ve participated in two medical brigades, which allowed me to interact directly with patients in underserved communities. These experiences helped me apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while reinforcing the importance of clear communication—something critical in my hometown along the U.S.-Mexico border, where many patients speak only Spanish.”

From Berkeley to Guadalajara: Finding Purpose in Experience

For Jaime Velasco, medical school was always in sight, but the journey to UAG took longer than expected. “I planned to go straight to medical school after undergrad,” he said. “But taking five years to work in phlebotomy and research at hospitals like Stanford and UCSF gave me valuable insights into patient care.” His experience volunteering in medical brigades in Honduras and Mexico solidified his desire to serve underserved communities.

Though transitioning from life in San Francisco to Guadalajara wasn’t easy, Jaime credits UAG’s environment for helping him grow. “Leaving my partner behind was tough, but the fast-paced environment at UAG has pushed me to manage academics, leadership roles, and personal challenges simultaneously. The support from faculty and peers has been essential.”

The practical experience gained through UAG’s medical brigades, where students engage directly with patients, has set Jaime apart. “Unlike in U.S. programs, where patient interaction is often limited early on, UAG encourages us to dive in from the beginning. It builds our confidence and communication skills, which are crucial for becoming effective physicians.”

Overcoming Challenges: Resilience in the Face of Personal Obstacles

Daniel Escalera knew early on that medicine was his calling, thanks to the influence of family mentors. “Growing up, I was inspired by family physicians who showed me what compassionate care looks like. My grandfather’s health issues only deepened my commitment.” However, the move from his small hometown to a big city like Guadalajara was a major transition.

“The independence was an adjustment, but the friendships I’ve formed here have made all the difference. UAG’s medical brigades have been especially impactful—they’ve taught me that medicine is about more than knowledge. It’s about empathy and connection.”

Daniel also emphasized the importance of taking initiative: “UAG offers so many resources, from medical brigades to mentorship with experienced physicians. Students need to seize every opportunity. You can’t wait for things to happen—you have to make them happen.”

The UAG Advantage: A Global Perspective and Hands-On Learning

The students’ stories highlight what sets UAG apart—its flexible and supportive learning environment, early clinical exposure, and focus on cultural competence and hands-on experience. From participating in medical brigades to gaining leadership skills through volunteer organizations, UAG students are prepared not only to succeed academically but also to excel in their future medical careers.
Anne Kaiser noted the unique advantage of UAG’s academic calendar: “The January start date gave me extra time to pursue internships and clerkships before residency applications, which has made a significant difference in my preparedness.”
Meanwhile, Jaime Velasco emphasized UAG’s commitment to discipline and leadership. “The values I’ve learned here—discipline, leadership, and communication—will guide me throughout my career and help me become the physician I aspire to be.”

Your Path, Your Future—Discover UAG School of Medicine

At UAG School of Medicine, we believe that diverse experiences make for better doctors. Whether you’re changing careers, overcoming personal obstacles, or fulfilling a lifelong dream, we are here to help you succeed.
With:

Early clinical exposure through hands-on rotations and medical brigades
A global perspective that prepares students for tomorrow’s healthcare challenges
Faculty and peer support to foster resilience and growth
Resources like AMBOSS to help students excel academically

We equip future physicians with the skills, confidence, and compassion they need to thrive in today’s healthcare landscape.
If you’re ready to embark on your unique journey toward becoming a doctor, apply to UAG School of Medicine today. Let us help you discover the path that’s right for you.

#UAGSOM #FutureDoctors #YourJourneyStartsHere

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