Juan Galarza
Salinas,CA
Summary
Compassionate and driven pre-med biology student with hands-on experience in clinical care, research, and bilingual (Spanish-English) medical interpretation. Skilled in patient triage, medical history documentation, communication, and patient education. Committed to fostering positive relationships with patients, physicians, and healthcare teams.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Volunteer & Spanish Interpreter
International Health Collective- UCSD
11.2024 - Current
- Assist in cross-border medical clinics by registering patients, providing clinic information, and estimating wait times.
- Perform triage: measure vitals, conduct urinalysis/glucose tests, and document medical histories.
- Translate between Spanish-speaking patients, physicians, and volunteers to ensure clear communication.
- Deliver health education talks on conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
- Manage inventory, and distribute medications and essential supplies.
- Created a Spanish-language triage sheet to support non-Spanish-speaking volunteers.
Volunteer
Salinas Valley Health
08.2024 - Current
- Assist patients in and out of vehicles using wheelchairs.
- Direct patients to various hospital departments.
- Support nurses with patient transportation to optimize workflow.
- Provide compassionate assistance by addressing patient and family inquiries.
- Visit patient rooms to offer assistance and answer questions.
- Facilitate communication by translating basic information between nurses, patients, and families.
Medical Assistant Intern
Pacific Rehabilitation & Pain
Monterey, California
11.2025 - 01.2026
- Directed patients to exam rooms and obtained medical history, medication information, symptoms, allergies, etc.
- Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
- Managed patient scheduling and coordinated follow-up appointments efficiently.
- Performed medical records management, including filing, organizing, and scanning documents.
Undergraduate Researcher
Daugherty Lab- UCSD
12.2023 - 06.2025
- Collaborated with PhD candidate Isabel Mejia to investigate potential inhibition between SERPINs and viral proteases.
- Modified SERPINs to enhance their inhibitory effects on viral proteases.
- Aim to advance the fundamental understanding of immunity against viral infections.
Program Ambassador
Math, Engineering, Science, Achievement (MESA)
08.2022 - 04.2023
- Assisted students struggling with Biology, Chemistry, and Math.
- Represented the program during science events and presented to aspiring students interested in joining the program.
Undergraduate Researcher
Hartnell College
09.2022 - 11.2022
- Collaborated with Professor Hughey and a team to conduct genomic analysis on Toxicodendron diversilobum.
- Utilized bioinformatics tools to analyze sequencing data, identify genetic markers, and co-authored the research paper.
- Co-authored research paper: L.I.H Vazquez et al. (2023) Complete chloroplast genome sequence of the Western Poison Oak, Toxicodendron diversilobum (Anacardiaceae), from California. Microbiology Resource Announcements. 12(3):e0127922.
- Contributed to understanding the genetic makeup of Western Poison Oak to support future research in plant biology.
Treasurer
Associated Students of Hartnell College (ASHC)
08.2021 - 04.2022
- Represented Hartnell College as the voice for students, organizing and funding events, and assisting students and parents with campus services.
- Improved leadership skills, management, organization, time management, and problem-solving skills.
Education
Medical Assistant Certification -
CALRegional
Salinas, CA10-2025
Bachelor of Science - General Biology
University of California, San Diego
06.2025
Associate of Science - Biology
Hartnell Community College
Salinas, CA05-2023
High School Diploma -
York School
Monterey05-2020
Skills
- Clinical Skills: Patient triage, medical history documentation, workflow management, patient education, bilingual (Spanish-English) medical interpretation.
- Technical & Soft Skills: Scientific writing, data interpretation, project management, adaptability, time management, teamwork.
Education
other
Timeline
Medical Assistant Intern
Pacific Rehabilitation & Pain
11.2025 - 01.2026
Medical Volunteer & Spanish Interpreter
International Health Collective- UCSD
11.2024 - Current
Volunteer
Salinas Valley Health
08.2024 - Current
Undergraduate Researcher
Daugherty Lab- UCSD
12.2023 - 06.2025
Undergraduate Researcher
Hartnell College
09.2022 - 11.2022
Program Ambassador
Math, Engineering, Science, Achievement (MESA)
08.2022 - 04.2023
Treasurer
Associated Students of Hartnell College (ASHC)
08.2021 - 04.2022
Medical Assistant Certification -
CALRegional
Bachelor of Science - General Biology
University of California, San Diego
Associate of Science - Biology
Hartnell Community College
High School Diploma -
York School