On Saturday, February 7, Skyline College MESA students, accompanied by MESA Co-Director Denise Hum, attended the 35th Annual Stanford University Minority Medical Alliance (SUMMA) Conference at Stanford University. The sold-out event brought together hundreds of aspiring healthcare professionals from across California and the nation, with strong representation from community college students, particularly first-generation MESA scholars pursuing careers in medicine.
The day featured inspiring keynotes from first-generation medical students and a panel of professors, physicians, and medical school leaders who shared challenges they faced together with practical advice on persistence, representation, and preparing for medical school while staying grounded in a commitment to serve their communities.
For Skyline College students, the experience was both affirming and motivating. “Attending the SUMMA Annual Meeting was an extraordinary experience. Being part of a community whose goals and aspirations are similar to your own is incredibly encouraging… Being able to meet physicians and physician-scientists who grew up like you, faced similar struggles and setbacks, and still continued to pursue their dreams of becoming a physician was truly motivating,” reflected Shahd Bader. Jasmin Khuu added, “SUMMA was an amazing opportunity to hear directly from staff and current students about medical school admissions, important insights, and how their journeys are not dissimilar from ours.”
Students also described how the conference clarified their future pathways. “SUMMA opened my eyes… meeting first-gen medical students made my MD-PhD path feel more possible. I learned about the Medical Science Training Program (MSTP)and strategies for networking, mentorship, and navigating the physician-scientist path,” said Shwe Thel Nway. Lilani Fernandez shared, “SUMMA solidified my commitment to an MD-PhD career by illuminating the dual path of clinical practice and research, while offering strategies for navigating the admission process and building a supportive professional network.”
The conference also included an exhibit hall with medical schools and pathway programs from across the country. Shahd highlighted one opportunity that stood out, “One opportunity that stood out to me was a nonprofit organization called MiMentor… a free mentorship program that connects students interested in medicine with mentors and helps guide them from pre-med through medical school.”
For Skyline College’s MESA program, the trip reflects its mission to connect students with transformative experiences that expand access to STEM and health careers and help students see that their goals are within reach.
