First Gen @ UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSOM) is an extension of the larger UCLA-wide First To Go Initiative highlighting the first-generation experience in higher education. In this group, first gen medical students are those who are the first in their family to attend college. Students who identify as "First Gen" will be able to connect to other DGSOM students, residents, fellows, faculty, and alumni who are proudly first gen themselves.
We envision mentorship and tailored resources that focus on student, resident, and faculty well-being and self-preservation (from the medical school years to beyond), through the first-gen lens.
Connecting to first gen resources/workshops at the UCLA university level (the established UCLA First To Go Initiative), including but not limited to:
Contact: Alejandra Casillas, MD
FirstGen leadership @ DGSOM:
Ava Mousavi, Kendra Arriaga-Castellanos, Monica Le, Sam Lee
“We wanted to welcome incoming first-generation medical students. It’s a really exciting time for them, what with getting their white coat and entering medical school. But hidden behind that excitement can be a lot of anxiety and doubt or fear of the unexpected, and we want them to know that there are people who are here for them. We are welcoming them into a supportive community, and they can reach out and connect with us as they need.”
- David Ho, pictured right, a member of First Gen leadership at DGSOM
- Russyan Mark Mabeza, Medical Student, class of 2022
“First-year can be overwhelming because so much information is thrown at you. I remember this dinner being one of the highlights of my first week. The point is to welcome all the incoming first-gen students into the family. We want them to see who is in their corner, who their community will be, and to let them know there are people here who have a similar experience to them. I love this community and am so happy we have First-Gen @ UCLA."
