Meet Miriam Villa
Miriam is a first-year Dental Medicine student on the Glendale, AZ campus. Her path to a healthcare career, dealing with homelessness, caring for an autistic child, and assimilating into a totally new culture, illustrates the importance of Midwestern University’s focus on underserved people and communities, both in education and in community service.
"Midwestern is more than just an institution. It is a home where everyone belongs… I desired a place that genuinely cared about training the next healthcare professionals, and I found that here."
DEI at Midwestern University
Midwestern University as an institution is committed to understanding and supporting students and communities representing different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. By creating opportunities and pathways for underserved students to seek higher education and to help provide care for diverse patient populations, Midwestern shows that healthcare is for everyone.
Transcript
It is time to meet Miriam, a first-year Dental Medicine student with one incredible non-traditional story. Coming out on top after facing adversity in life is something everyone aspires to do. With perseverance and help from Midwestern University, she has done just that. Take it away, Miriam.
Thanks, Alex. Hello everyone.
I went from being pregnant and homeless to becoming a dentist through the help of Midwestern University. Seven years ago, I moved across the globe and assimilated to a new culture. That's when my son got diagnosed with autism, which has ultimately opened doors for treatment. This has sparked my desire to bridge access-to-care barriers, and serve the underserved within our community.
Midwestern is more than just an institution. It is a home where everyone belongs. As a non-traditional student, when researching different dental schools, I aimed to find a place that embraces diversity, fosters a culture of growth and belonging, and focuses on providing holistic and competent care to the community.
I desired a place that genuinely cared about training the next healthcare professionals, and I found that here. As dentists, we're not just treating a tooth, we're treating a tooth that is attached to a person.
That philosophy of One Health is what Midwestern was founded on. Midwestern has opened up opportunities that I couldn't have imagined. As a first-year dental student, I was able to join and lead organizations such as the American Student Dental Association. I serve our marginalized community, ranging from participating at our annual Give Kids a Smile event to traveling to Rainbow Acres, an assisted living community for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Being at Midwestern has opened doors for me to amplify my voice for advocacy of the underserved. The adversity I overcame has shaped me into a resilient woman ready to embrace the role of a dentist and create smiles. Through my experiences and the training at Midwestern, I won't just be competent to treat patients, but I'll be able to provide holistic and empathetic care to all people with all abilities. That's my story. Back to you, Alex.
Miriam, your story is so uplifting.
Overcoming the challenges in your life and to achieve a doctorate of Dental Medicine is absolutely amazing. The future of healthcare is in great hands with compassionate healthcare professionals at Midwestern University.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Miriam.
Take care.