When I embarked on my first year at UCSD, I was convinced that becoming a physician was the epitome of everything that I had hoped to achieve in life: a complete understanding of the human body, having the power to save lives, respect from the communities I would serve, and a professional outlet to express my compassion and understanding for all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. However, after learning more about heal