Joshua Vela

As a dedicated and service-oriented pre-medical student, I bring a diverse background in healthcare support, patient advocacy, and academic instruction. My clinical experience includes working as a Health Advocate Intern at Legacy Community Health, where I addressed critical social determinants of health by connecting underserved patients with food, transportation, and housing resources. In addition, I’ve cultivated strong communication and leadership skills through roles as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Undergraduate Learning Assistant in Anatomy and Physiology labs, where I led instruction, facilitated hands-on learning, and supported student academic success. My combined experience as a Medical Scribe in emergency medicine and as a practicum intern under a Licensed Clinical Social Worker has further enhanced my understanding of patient-centered care and interdisciplinary collaboration. These roles reflect my deep commitment to holistic care, health equity, and the physician-patient relationship—values I am eager to carry forward into my medical career.