San Diego County Medical Society Foundation Scholarship Awardee: Embodying the Spirit of Service

Jessica Cruz knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in medicine. As the youngest of six children to immigrant parents, she took responsibility for helping her parents manage their chronic health conditions. Raised in southeast San Diego, a community struggling with issues of drugs, gang violence, ethnic strife, and underemployment, Jessica was one of only four Latino students in her class to attend a University of California school. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2007 with a B.S. in physiology science.

While applying to medical schools, Jessica worked with HIV-positive patients as a case manager at Charles Drew University. She also has extensive experience volunteering to support students and vulnerable populations.

In 2010, Jessica was accepted to her first choice of medical schools, the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. Jessica is interested in pursuing a career where she can focus on vulnerable patients. Regarding the scholarship, Jessica says, “Even more than the monetary assistance, I am grateful for the vote of confidence from the Medical Society Foundation. I am looking forward to a long medical career in San Diego.”

Dr. Ellen Beck, chair of the Student Scholarship Committee, says, “The selection committee was very impressed with the quality and depth of the applicants. Several finalists, including Jessica, have overcome obstacles, served the community with dedication and commitment, and have dreams of service to the underserved.”

The San Diego County Medical Society Foundation is proud to support Jessica’s medical career through a $1,000 per year scholarship. For more information about the SDCMS Foundation Scholarship Program, or to support the Scholarship Program through a gift, please contact Kitty Bailey at Kitty.Bailey@SDCMS.org or at (858) 300-2780.