Hello! My name is Amanda Cruz. I was born and raised in Pembroke Pines, Florida, after my family immigrated from Cuba. I attended Davidson College, where I majored in Psychology and minored in Neuroscience. During my time there, I volunteered at local free and reduced-cost clinics, primarily serving Spanish-speaking patients, and conducted neuroscience research focused on memory and neuroplasticity. After graduation, I moved to Philadelphia to work as a research coordinator at the University of Pennsylvania, where I helped lead projects examining racial disparities in Parkinson’s disease. I also became involved in community organizations, volunteering at health fairs and health education events. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to Family Medicine, where I hope to build long-term relationships with patients and provide not only medical care, but also prevention, education, and advocacy. In the future, I aspire to practice at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), expanding access to comprehensive and equitable care for underserved communities.