Andres F. Diaz

My name is Andres F. Diaz and I am an MD/PhD student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson. I was born in Medellin, Colombia and moved to the United States with my family at the age of 12. I am passionate about oncology and public health work and hope to incorporate both to address health disparities in cancer care. As an underrepresented individual in medicine, I am particularly moved by health advocacy for migrants, refugees, and underrepresented peoples. I am also interested in health literacy and writing.

Throughout my personal and professional life, I have been inspired by the work of physicians and scientists who dedicate their work to improving access to health services, life-saving medicines, education, and resource equity. As such, I strive to place patients and underserved communities at the center of my research, doing my best to integrate a “bench-to-bedside” approach to all of my work. As an aspiring pediatric oncologist and cancer researcher, I plan to nurture a practice that cares for those in the “outskirts” of society locally and abroad, as well as commit to a research philosophy that includes patient communities underrepresented in research literature.

I am currently serving as Chief Editor of The New Physician magazine and as a member of the AMSA National Board of Trustees. As Chief Editor of The New Physician, I work diligently with Pete Thompson and his staff to create a publication that is approachable, enlightening, and useful for readers and contributors alike. I am looking forward to working with AMSA leadership and members to advocate for health equity, education, and medical excellence.