Standing at the Crossroads of Culture and Care: Yovanni Vera Pimentel's Story of Representation and Healing
“Growing up, I was often classified as non-Hispanic Black, and this left me feeling as though a core part of my identity was erased,” he shares. “While my family instilled in me a strong pride in our Latino heritage, I struggled to reconcile that pride with the lack of Afro-Latino representation in my community.” Over time, Yovanni learned to embrace the full duality of his identity — carrying forward both his African and Latino heritage and ensuring neither is diminished or overlooked. Read More
Rooted in Culture and Community, Melissa Hernandez's Journey Is Fueled by Connection
This Hispanic Heritage Month, Morehouse School of Medicine continues to highlight the voices of students whose culture, experiences and aspirations shape the way they move through medicine. Today, we celebrate Melissa Hernandez, an MD student whose Cuban and Puerto Rican roots fuel her passion for service and representation. Read More
How Xiomara Diaz Transforms Her Heritage into Healing
For Xiomara, being Latina is more than identity — it’s a source of strength. “[My identity] carries the sacrifices of my family, the richness of language and culture and the responsibility to open doors for others. Being Mexican shapes how I see the world and how I move through medicine,” she shares. Read More
The Power of Being the First: Nicole Hernandez's Path in Medicine
For Nicole, being a Latina medical student is deeply meaningful. “In the United States, only 6% of physicians are Hispanic/Latino, and of that small percentage, 2.4% are women,” she shares. “As a Latina medical student, I have the privilege and honor to increase that number. I represent other Hispanic/Latinx individuals who want to be in this field and make a difference.” Her dedication is fueled by a desire to pave the way for future generations, ensuring their journey is a little easier than hers. Read More
Karima MuhammadPoe's Summer of Growth at Yale School of Medicine
This summer, Morehouse School of Medicine student Karima MuhammadPoe spent two months at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, fully immersed in the field of dermatology. Her schedule blended clinical, research and educational experiences — two days each week in the Yale Dermatology clinic, Fridays assisting with surgeries at the VA Hospital, dedicated time for research and attending grand rounds alongside attendings and residents. Outside of her professional commitments, Karima enjoyed exploring the walkable streets of downtown New Haven and taking weekend train rides to New York City. Read More
Empowering the Next Generation: A Look Back at the 2025 Emerging Student Leadership Academy
At Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), cultivating leadership is more than a mission — it’s a responsibility. The 2025 Emerging Student Leadership Academy (ESLA) embraced this charge by delivering a two-day, high-impact experience designed to build, elevate, transform and connect learners through intentional, career-focused development. Read More