News & Events

1. What inspired you to choose Medicine, and how did you decide on the school you’re currently attending?

I was first drawn to solve medical problems through the lens of engineering, but my perspective changed when my younger brother was diagnosed with a chronic disease. Through this journey, I realized how powerful medicine can be, not just through scientific innovation, but also with compassion and the humanity of care.

I chose the University of Washington because its mission of service, innovation, and dedication to caring for diverse and underserved populations strongly reflects my values and long-term goals. Staying in Seattle allows me to train in the community I hope to serve, while staying connected to the support of my family and friends.

2. Can you share a bit about your journey leading up to medical school—your undergrad major, clinical experiences, and the application process?

I majored in bioengineering as an undergrad. During that time, I worked with the community resource team at Seattle Children’s Hospital, supporting underinsured and low-income patients and families. I was also involved in educational outreach programs that encouraged underrepresented students to pursue engineering and medicine.

I applied twice to medical school and took three gap years. This gave me time to grow personally and professionally, reflect on my goals, and solidify my motivation for medicine.

3. How do you manage stress and find time to relax during school?

I do my best to make time for the things that keep me balanced and grounded. Being part of the UW Women’s Hockey team has been an incredible way to stay active, build friendships and relieve stress from school!

4. How did you prepare for the MCAT, and do you have any tips for students who might be taking it soon?

I used Kaplan books, UWorld questions, and a lot of practice tests. Flashcards were also a huge help for quick review. My biggest piece of advice is to focus on practice questions as much as possible, they build both content knowledge and test taking endurance.

5. What advice would you give to students who are considering attending your medical program?

Be genuine and authentic to who you are. Don’t try to fit into a mold or stereotype of what a medical student “should” look like. Your unique perspective and experiences are so valuable, and they’ll also shape the kind of physician you become.

6. Looking back, what do you wish you had known as an undergrad exploring the medical path?

I wish I had known that you don’t need to have everything figured out right away. It’s okay to embrace uncertainty and enjoy the process. One bad test or one rough class doesn’t define you, it’s just part of the bigger journey.

7. What do you enjoy most about being a student ambassador for your program?

Mentorship! I love connecting with younger students, sharing what I’ve learned, and supporting them as they navigate their own paths toward medicine. It’s so rewarding to be part of someone else’s journey and to encourage them the way others encouraged me.

8. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience, your journey, or about HCOP?

My journey has always centered around community, whether that’s my family, my peers, or the patients and students I’ve worked with. HCOP has reinforced that medicine isn’t just about science and treatment, it’s about building relationships, listening, and being present for others. It also highlights the importance of outreach and equity in medicine, which I strive to carry as a future physician.

Can you tell us about your path to dentistry school?
My path to dentistry was shaped by both personal experience and cultural identity. Growing up in a low-income, immigrant household, I understood early on what it meant to live without dental insurance. One of my earliest memories was losing one of my baby teeth, only to learn from my mother that we couldn’t afford dental care. That moment stayed with me. It became a turning point that led to a deep sense of responsibility for my own oral health—and ultimately, a desire to care for others. In high school, I had the opportunity to shadow a dentist who was my friend’s uncle and that experience sparked my interest about having a future in dentistry. Over the years, I immersed myself in community service, shadowed various dentists, and built a clear vision of how I could one day give back to communities like mine.

What inspired you to become a Dentist?

My inspiration comes from both personal hardship and a commitment to health equity. As a child, I rarely visited the dentist due to a lack of dental insurance, but I knew that others were going through the same experience. My father’s dedication to helping others through his small business inspired me to think about how I might make a difference too. Shadowing in high school and discovering my passion for helping people made me realize that I could do the same through dentistry. Volunteering confirmed that my passion lies in caring for people and improving their quality of life. Seeing Dr. Koh—a dentist who serves his Korean community in their native language, opened my eyes to the power of representation and cultural competence in healthcare. I hope to offer that same sense of trust and familiarity to Hispanic communities.

How do you manage stress during the DDS program?

I manage stress by doing physical activities. I  like to exercise in the mornings before class, which helps me stay energized throughout the day. Golfing and running have both been important parts of my life, offering me time to relax and enjoy my time where I can recharge and temporarily step away from  dental school. I would also say that hanging out with friends after a stressful week is fun.

What do you wish you’d known as an undergraduate?

I wish I had known that it’s okay to ask for help and that success doesn’t follow a straight path. As a first-generation college student, I often felt like I had to figure everything out on my own. Now I understand how important mentorship, resources, and community truly are. Putting yourself out there and asking for help could have made the journey a little less difficult. Another thing I wish I had known is the timing of dental school. Once I learned about the dental school cycle, such as interview dates and application deadlines. I realized that applying during my senior year of undergrad would have allowed me to start dental school right after graduation.

What do you enjoy most about being an HCOP Ambassador?

Being an HCOP Ambassador allows me to lift others up while staying true to my roots. I love sharing my journey with students who may not see themselves represented in healthcare. It’s fulfilling to encourage others, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, and help them envision a future they didn’t think was possible. Empowering others and giving them tools I once lacked is one of the most rewarding parts of this role.

Can you tell us about your path to optometry school? I’m Yakin Ali from Seattle, WA. I earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of Washington. My interest in healthcare began in high school and grew through volunteering, working as a COPE Health Scholar, and later as an optometry technician. These roles taught me teamwork, patient care, and sparked my passion for eye health. I also engaged in research and community outreach, which strengthened my desire to advocate for accessible healthcare. These combined experiences led me to pursue optometry.

What inspired you to pursue the optometry profession? My first optometry visit sparked my interest, but real inspiration came from clinical experiences. I loved helping patients with contacts and seeing their joy. I admired how optometrists guide patients with compassion and serve as both educators and leaders. Their role in diagnosing health issues through eye exams and forming patient connections solidified my decision to join the field.

How do you manage stress during school? Hobbies like reading in a book club and motorsports photography helped me manage stress and build friendships. I also learned to adapt my study methods and found group study and office hours helpful. Having supportive communities kept me motivated during tough times.

What do you wish you’d known as an undergraduate? I wish I had understood the value of networking earlier, especially as a first-generation student. It took time to build relationships with mentors and professionals. I also wish I had developed a stronger self-care routine sooner, as balancing well-being with academics is essential.

What do you enjoy most about being a SHPEPLE student? SHPEPLE provided mentorship, outreach opportunities, and a supportive community. I gained valuable insights from medical students and participated in programs like Doctors for a Day, which exposed me to healthcare education and teamwork. The peer support and connections I’ve made have been a crucial part of my journey into optometry.