小黄鸭视频

For Raquel Izucar, the journey to becoming a healthcare provider has always been rooted in personal experience, cultural identity, and a deep commitment to her community.

Born and raised in Inglewood, California to Mexican immigrant parents, Izucar is a proud first-generation Mexican-American. Her upbringing shaped not only her worldview but also her desire to give back in meaningful ways.

鈥淚鈥檝e always been grounded by family and community,鈥� she said. 鈥淎s a future physician Assistant, I鈥檓 interested in working in primary care, particularly with older adults. I鈥檓 also dedicated to giving back through mentorship and community outreach as I want to help pave the way for others like me who aspire to work in healthcare.鈥�

Izucar is currently working toward a degree in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies at 小黄鸭视频, where she鈥檚 expected to graduate in December 2026. It鈥檚 not her first time at CDU鈥攕he earned a Master of Biomedical Sciences (MSBMS) from the University in 2020. She completed her undergraduate studies in psychology at University of California, Riverside in 2018.

Her connection to CDU began at a turning point in her life.聽

鈥淚 was feeling uncertain about my next steps after completing my undergraduate degree in 2019. That鈥檚 when I was introduced to the Dean of the College of Science and Health,鈥� Izucar recalled. 鈥淎fter speaking with Dr. Monica Ferrini, I felt a strong sense of clarity and confidence about my path. The MSBMS program helped me solidify my career goals and gave me the foundation I needed to pursue PA studies.鈥�

Choosing to return to CDU for PA school was an easy decision, she said, thanks to the University鈥檚 prioritization of serving under-resourced communities and its commitment to academic excellence.

鈥淭here鈥檚 a real sense of community here,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 feel like I belong, and that鈥檚 incredibly important when pursuing a demanding career path.鈥�

Izucar鈥檚 decision to pursue a career in medicine was deeply personal. Watching her family navigate barriers of the healthcare system such as language, cost, and access to quality care made her realize the urgent need for providers who understand those challenges firsthand.

鈥淚 wanted to be part of the solution, someone who could connect with patients through shared experiences and cultural understanding,鈥� Izucar remarked. 鈥淏eing a Spanish-speaking, first-generation healthcare provider allows me to build trust and make a real impact.鈥�

Before starting PA school, she worked at a Federally Qualified Health Center where she served patients from her own neighborhood. The experience reaffirmed her purpose.

鈥淚 always made it a point to treat them with the same compassion and respect I鈥檇 want for my own parents,鈥� she explained. 鈥淚鈥檓 very aware of the barriers people face, from language and literacy to financial constraints, and I want to be part of breaking those obstacles down.鈥�

Looking ahead, Izucar hopes to continue serving her community as a practicing PA鈥攁nd one day expand her reach by influencing public health policy and mentoring future healthcare professionals.

鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly proud to be part of a university that supports students like me鈥攆irst-generation, driven, and passionate about making a difference,鈥� she said. 鈥淐DU has played a huge role in my journey, and I鈥檓 grateful every day to be here.鈥�