Committed to Compassionate Care for Young Patients
“The power to stay: Medicine, advocacy and commitment.”
This is Post-Baccalaureate Health Professions Program alumna Esha Areza’s overarching motto that she has carried throughout her burgeoning career—from early childhood experiences that shaped her perspective on health care to her time now as a medical school student at Kansas City University (KCU).
“I come from a background where access to health care was limited, which has shaped my commitment to advancing equitable health care and addressing socioeconomic barriers to medical treatment,” Esha says. “One of my earliest and most formative experiences was undergoing a procedure my family could not afford. I hope to integrate evidence-based approaches to mitigate health care disparities and ensure that financial constraints do not impede access to essential medical interventions.”
This led her to study molecular biology at De Anza College, which solidified Esha’s foundation in science and helped prepare her for more advanced studies in research and health care. After completing prerequisite coursework there, she transferred to UC San Diego and earned her bachelor's degree in human biology.
“As I progressed through my education, I became fascinated by biology—particularly, molecular biology—because of its direct applications to medicine and patient care,” Esha recalls. “I was especially drawn to how molecular biology contributes to the understanding of diseases at a cellular level, which later aligned with my interest in pediatric hematology/oncology.”
Esha’s career aspiration in medicine is driven by those early experiences that highlighted the importance of compassionate health care. While in college, at Kyo (formerly known as Gateway Learning Group), she worked with children with autism spectrum disorder as a behavioral technician, which reinforced her desire to be more involved in patient care and treatment planning. At UC San Diego, engaging with prehealth panels and at the Women’s Health and LGBT centers broadened Esha’s perspective on health care disparities and patient advocacy.
“While working as a behavioral technician, I implemented interventions to teach children with autism spectrum disorder essential skills,” she tells me. “I personalized lesson plans to enhance motor and social skills, using games and customized learning tools. The experience solidified my desire to be involved in patient care beyond behavioral interventions, and it motivated me to pursue a medical career where I could contribute to diagnosing and developing treatment plans tailored to children's developmental and psychological needs.”
After graduating from UC San Diego in 2020 and during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, you started our Post-Baccalaureate Health Professions Program. What led you to choose our program for your health-related educational and career goals?
I chose UC Berkeley Extension because of its high success rate in leading students to their aspirations, through world-class instructors and an engaging community of students.
Esha’s Course List
Health Careers Seminar II: The Application Process
Health Careers Seminar II: Developing Your Personal Statement
Current Topics in the Biosciences
Stem Cell Biology, Research and Discovery
My favorite class was Stem Cell Biology, Research and Discovery, which was taught by Dr. Geoff Sargent. The course sparked a deep appreciation for stem cell science and its bioethical implications, as well as fostered close discussions and strong interpersonal connections. Dr. Sargent’s exceptional teaching made a lasting impact, and he later became one of my medical school reference-letter writers.
At the start of your studies with us, in October 2020 you gained designation as a medical assistant. How did this help in your pursuit of a medical career?
The designation as a medical assistant was instrumental in my development as a health care provider. It allowed me to work directly with patients, perform clinical tasks such as taking vitals and administering vaccines, and gain experience in a pediatric setting. This role reinforced my commitment to patient care, especially when it comes to ensuring children feel safe and comfortable during medical procedures.
You worked as a research assistant at Achelois BioPharma, Inc., and as an emergency medical technician (EMT). How did these roles influence your career path in medicine?
At Achelois BioPharma, I was involved in drug development, specifically in antiviral therapeutics. I worked on bacterial inoculation, protein purification and quality-control measures for antiviral drugs used in studies for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), solid tumor cancers and COVID-19. This exposure sharpened my research skills and reinforced my interest in translational medicine, in which laboratory findings can directly impact patient care.
As an EMT, I gained hands-on skills in emergency response, patient assessment and public health outreach. I learned the importance of clear communication and rapid decision-making, especially in high-stress situations. This role strengthened my ability to remain composed and compassionate while addressing patients’ urgent medical needs.
And not only those aforementioned roles, but for two years you also worked as a medical assistant and researcher at Tri-Valley Pediatrics while taking classes. What were you learning in your Post-Baccalaureate Health Professions Program courses that immediately translated to your clinical tasks and duties here?
My experience at Tri-Valley Pediatrics allowed me to apply my clinical knowledge to real-world patient care. I conducted laboratory testing, patient assessments, ocular and auditory exams, and vaccinations during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Working with pediatric patients reinforced my ability to create a safe and engaging environment for children, which is critical in pediatric medicine.
In March 2022, you completed the post-bacc health program. How did the post-bacc health program staff help you in the process of applying to medical schools?
The Post-Baccalaureate Health Professions Program played a pivotal role in my medical school journey. The instructors and staff fostered strong mentorship, offering invaluable guidance and advocacy. Having dedicated instructors who supported my growth as a future health care leader was instrumental in my success.
While you were applying to medical schools, you took on a new position at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). How have all of your work-related experiences in medicine influenced your future?
As a clinical research coordinator at UCSF, I worked on an AI predictive model to determine whether radiation can be beneficial for children diagnosed with brain tumors, specifically Diffuse Midline Gliomas (DMGs). My experience in research methods and patient care helped me navigate this project, which aligns with my long-term goal of contributing to pediatric oncology research.
I plan to specialize in pediatric hematology/oncology, and my research experience in pediatric oncology at UCSF—along with my clinical exposure to children with complex medical needs—has shaped my commitment to this field. I aim to contribute to advancements in pediatric cancer treatments and provide compassionate care to young patients facing life-threatening illnesses.
In July 2024, you began studying at Kansas City University to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. How did the post-bacc health program and courses prepare you for graduate school?
The post-bacc program provided a strong foundation by covering material similar to my current coursework, making the transition to medical school smoother and studying more efficient. The knowledge I gained from my post-bacc courses—particularly in medical microbiology, neuroscience and hematology—directly supports my understanding of KCU’s curriculum. Additionally, the rigorous coursework and study strategies I developed have enhanced my ability to manage the demanding workload of medical school.
How would you sum up the benefits of the post-bacc health program for other students who may be considering a career in medicine?
The post-bacc health program provides invaluable academic preparation, mentorship and application support. It strengthens foundational knowledge, refines study strategies and offers personalized guidance, making it an excellent stepping-stone for aspiring medical students seeking to enhance their credentials and confidence.
