Panel Brings Cultural Awareness to Campus
Students Share Perspectives of Latino, Filipino Communities
Five students shared their views on the health care profession as part of a series of panel discussions centered on two of Touro University California’s significant cultural communities.
The title of the panel discussion was, “Celebrating our Collective Voices in Health Care: Stories from our Latino and Filipino Communities.”
Student Doctor Kenny Montealegre, a Dual DO/MPH 2028 candidate and 2024 graduate of the MSMHS program, served on the panel. Montealegre addressed why he thinks it’s important to ensure broad inclusion in matters that involve health care.
“Representation of people of color in health care matters because communities deserve to see their experiences, cultures, and needs reflected in the decisions that affect their health,” Montealegre said in reflecting on his panel participation. “When people of color are included in health discussions and leadership, policies and practices are more likely to address the real barriers that many communities face.”
Panelists Cover Wide Array of Topics
The panelists discussed such topics as how their respective heritages shaped their paths into the health care profession; their views on the level of cultural understanding in the care of Latino and Filipino patients; and how allies, institutions, and communities can support Latino and Filipino students in medicine.
Dr. Mark Gaines, Associate Director of Campus Engagement and Community Affairs, said it’s important to offer activities that focus on the experiences of various members of the campus community.
“The panel discussions are a wonderful opportunity to build community among our TUC students, staff, and faculty,” Gaines said. “It is important for us to share and learn about similarities, our differences, and what brings us together as a community.”
The other panelists were Ashley Rojo and Kirsten Liaz from the Joint MSPAS/MPH program, who are candidates with the Classes of 2027 and 2028, respectively; Student Pharmacist Hazel Salvador, a PharmD Class of 2027 candidate; and Angelica Crabtree from the Master of Science in Nursing program.
The panel, which was moderated by Yvette Elizabeth Carrillo, Director of Student Activities, was loosely timed around Filipino American History Month in October and National Hispanic Heritage Month from mid-September to mid-October.