UNTHSC Student Pioneering Diversity in Medicine through ElevateMeD Scholarship

Awarded with a $10,000 scholarship, Saenz's recognition stems from his demonstrated leadership, interpersonal skills, and dedication to community service throughout his medical school journey. Saenz, a member of TCOM's Class of 2025, has made significant contributions as the president of TCOM's Latino Medical Student Association and as a co-director for LMSA Southwest Region. Additionally, his recent induction into the TCOM Chapter of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Gold Humanism Honor Society underscores his commitment to fostering empathy and compassion within the medical field.

Despite Latinos comprising 40.2% of the Texas population, recent data from the Association of American Medical Colleges' 2021 State Workforce Data Report reveals that they represent only 11.3% of active physicians in the state. Nationally, according to a Pew Research Center report, Latinos constitute just 7% of physicians and surgeons and 9% of all healthcare practitioners and technicians in the U.S.