From the president
Justin Perez, a second-year medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), focused on community engagement as a practitioner, has a passion for promoting health equity and inclusion. His leadership and community engagement activities demonstrate an unwavering commitment to relationship-building, innovation, and the dissemination of knowledge to impact the health of our community. Mr. Perez’s commitment is reflected in his participation in various student pathway programming efforts, including returning as a mentor to a program of which he was previously a participant. Currently, Mr. Perez serves as Co-President of MCW’s Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) and is an active participant in the Student Health Initiative for Pipeline Programs (SHIPP), where he supports students in their educational journeys. In addition to his commitment to promoting the education and development of students, Mr. Perez contributes his clinical skillset to Milwaukee’s Saturday Clinic for the Uninsured, helping to meet the healthcare needs of uninsured patients.
Personal Statement
Growing up in an underserved community, I witnessed firsthand the systemic barriers that limit access to education and healthcare, particularly for undocumented and minority youth. These experiences shaped my commitment to mentorship, advocacy, and community service. As a medical student, I found a passion for tutoring middle school students in Milwaukee’s north and south side, helping them strengthen their academic foundation while also inspiring them to see a future in medicine. I also work with pre-medical initiatives that support undocumented and DACA students in preparing for medical school, ensuring they have the guidance and resources needed to navigate the application process.
Beyond education, I am dedicated to improving healthcare access for underserved populations. I have volunteered at free clinics, served as a Spanish language patient advocate, and translated important healthcare documents to bridge language barriers for non-English-speaking patients. Through my involvement in MCW’s pathway programs, I help support the next generation of physicians by fostering mentorship and excellence in medicine. Addressing systemic inequities requires both direct service and long-term solutions, and I strive to create sustainable pathways for underserved communities to access opportunities in education and healthcare.