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Maria Valdez

Maria Valdez

MPH Public Health Practice

"I would recommend MEZCOPH to others because of the diversity present at the campus and the opportunities present. With a campus both in Phoenix and Tucson, there is a vast amount of options, not only in classes but also for internships. I have been able to stay close to my family while keeping my activities in Tucson thanks to the Phoenix Campus."

  • Email:

    valdezm07@email.arizona.edu

    Hometown:

    Born in Mexicali Baja California, Mexico / Lived in Yuma, Arizona most of my life

    Prior Degree(s):

    University of Arizona – Family Studies and Human Development

    Before entering the program:

    Clinical Researcher and Applied Behavior Analyst

    Why did you choose public health?

    I chose public health because, while I want to be a physician, I want to do more than treat patients, I want to have an impact not only on individual patients, but in the overall population by being involved in policy and educating patients.

    Why did you choose MEZCOPH?

    I chose MEZCOPH because of the location. Arizona is a very diverse state where there is a great opportunity to apply public health. Whether this be with mobile units, policy involvement, education etc, Arizona has great opportunities to make the lives of patients better. Alongside that, culturally I connect with Arizona. I was born in Mexico, and Spanish is my first language. Living in a state where this diversity is still present make me feel culturally connected.

    Public health interests:

    Policy Law, Education both for patients and healthcare professionals and merging healthcare with public health

    Internship:

    Evaluation of medically underserved population at FQHCs (Wesley Health Center and Golden Gate Community Center) to provide a general assessment of this population and determine if government programs are fulfilling the patients’ needs via a needs assessment.

    Interests/hobbies outside of school:

    Spending time with my family, writing, cross-fit, running, reading and drinking coffee

    Tip for future students:

    Have faith in yourself, celebrate every victory no matter how small and make time for you. Grad school is hard, not only academically but socially. The ambiance is very different from the ambiance in undergrad, there is more competition, more things to lose, and more things to do. Remember to give yourself time for you to avoid burnout and celebrate all your victories so it can remind you that you can.

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