On May 13, UW–Madison will celebrate its Spring 2023 Commencement. We reached out to a few of our students who are graduating from programs in the School of Education to learn about their favorite UW–Madison memories and future plans. Following is a Q&A with Diego Cisneros, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in health promotion and health equity.
Where are you from, and what brought you to UW–Madison?
I’m from Mundelein, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. I came to UW–Madison because of its incredible resources for pre-health students, its proximity to my family, and the amazing school atmosphere.
How did you choose your major?
I decided to major in health promotion and health equity because of its focus on trying to understand the patient beyond their illness. This major has allowed me to understand the stigmas, social determinants of health, implicit biases, and other factors to pay attention to when working with patients. I chose this major because I knew it would give me a solid foundation on what it means to be a culturally competent healthcare provider.
What was your most meaningful experience at UW–Madison?
My most meaningful experience at UW–Madison was my involvement with the Rural and Urban Scholars in Community Health (RUSCH) program. This two-year program connected me with a public health internship, research with the medical school on campus, and introduced me to countless mentors.
"I decided to major in health promotion and health equity because of its focus on trying to understand the patient beyond their illness. This major has allowed me to understand the stigmas, social determinants of health, implicit biases, and other factors to pay attention to when working with patients."
What class or professor had the greatest impact on you, and why?
My favorite class was Comm Arts 317: Rhetoric and Health. It was because of this class that I learned about narrative medicine, which has given me a glimpse into what it means to express illness from the patient’s perspective and not just from a medical point of view.
What advice would you give to incoming students?
Make sure to make time for self care. Your undergraduate career will demand a lot of you academically and you most likely will have a lot of other responsibilities. When you make time for self care, it gives your brain and body a much needed restart. There’s a lot of cool activities and clubs to engage with on this campus; make sure to take advantage of them!
What’s next for you? What are your plans for the future?
After graduation I will be attending medical school in the fall. I am committed to the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. I am undecided on a medical specialty, but I am 100 percent sure that I want to work with underserved communities and provide culturally competent care as a future physician.
You’re a UW–Madison expert now. What UW tradition is your favorite, and why?
My favorite UW tradition is Jump Around! The atmosphere at Camp Randall is unmatched and this tradition holds a special place in my heart.