On this episode of White Coat Wednesday, we sit down with Tabitha Baca, a third-year UQ-Ochsner student who was recently awarded the 2023 Perla S. Gil, MD scholarship. This Scholarship was established to enhance diversity at Ochsner and in the medical profession by supporting female Ochsner Clinical School students of Hispanic descent who have traditionally been underrepresented in the medical profession.
Tabitha explained that from the age of three she knew she wanted to be a doctor.
“I was born in Mexico City and emigrated with my mother to Miami, Florida.
“Growing up in Mexico City, where there is large gap of income inequality and health inequity, I became passionate about improving access to care for vulnerable communities,” Tabitha said.
She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Florida followed by a long period of exciting adventures around the world.
Tabitha pursued her passion in Central America, as a Programs Coordinator for a global health organization, where she helped lead health, infrastructure, and clean water projects. Before starting Medical School Tabitha worked in Australia as a Health Researcher for a reproductive health non-profit, where she aided in projects such as a white paper for reproductive coercion, women’s health research, and sexual health education.
“The UQ-Ochsner MD program has been a perfect fit for me, I’ve enjoyed studying medicine across two continents and two healthcare systems.” Tabitha said.
“I’m also incredibly proud to receive the Perla S. Gil, MD scholarship.”
Tabitha aims to dedicate her career helping close health equity gaps for low-resourced communities and we couldn’t be any prouder to see our future doctors dedicating themselves improve the health outcomes for so many people.
