By Marena Keci  

In 2007, Roxana Parada arrived in the U.S. as a seven-year-old immigrant, not knowing the transformative impact her journey would have on her future. Inspired by the lack of awareness about preventative and mental health in her community, Parada knew she wanted to make a difference. Her interest in psychology and passion for helping people, especially immigrants, led her to medicine, where she is now a fourth-year medical student at Stritch.   

Prada’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and advocacy, reflecting the values of the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation's DREAM MD Equity Scholarship, which she was awarded. 

As a first-generation student and DACA recipient, Prada’s path to medical school has not been easy. However, Stritch’s pioneering decision to admit undocumented students under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program provided her with the opportunity to pursue her dream. Stritch’s inclusive approach to underrepresented minorities resonated deeply with Parada, attracting her to the program. 

“Stritch’s inclusivity made me think this was the place that would not only support me but also understand and advocate for underrepresented patients,” she explains. 

Prada’s commitment to service began at just 16 years old when she started volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, supporting children with illnesses. Her experiences with these children and their families sparked a desire to help them on a deeper level, inspiring her to pursue medicine. Over the years, she expanded her volunteer work to include helping refugee families through the Mariposa’s Collective in Memphis and at O'Hare Airport, where she collaborated with students from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) to provide critical support to asylum seekers. 

At the O'Hare mobile clinic, Prada often had to approach refugees and ask if they needed assistance, as many were hesitant to seek help. In one memorable encounter, she spoke with a man who opened up about his depression stemming from being far from home and family. Prada was able to connect him with a free clinic, giving him the opportunity to access mental health care.  

"It was nice to be able to offer someone the chance to talk about what’s going on in their lives and make them feel like they’re not alone in that situation," she says. 

Parada’s language skills and cultural background helped her build connections with refugees, making them feel more comfortable sharing their struggles.  

"Having similar roots, from the language we speak to the food we eat, has helped me connect and relate to refugees in a personal way," she says. 

At Stritch, Prada found a supportive community through the Latinx Medical Student Association (LMSA). As mentorship chair, she prioritized forming groups that brought together students with similar interests or backgrounds, offering guidance and fostering connections. Mentorship has been a vital resource for her throughout her medical journey, helping her navigate challenges and giving her the opportunity to pay it forward.  

"My mentors have been a great resource for me, and if given the opportunity to mentor someone in the future, I would like to be cognizant of that opportunity," she says. 

Her experiences at the Ronald McDonald House and as an interpreter at Loyola's Access to Care (ATC) Clinic have also shaped her approach to patient care. Interpreting for patients with language barriers taught her the importance of advocating for those who may feel intimidated or unsure of how to ask for help.  

“It’s important to stand up for your patients and make sure their needs are heard,” she emphasizes. 

Psychiatry, Prada’s chosen specialty, allows her to combine her passion for mental health with her desire to build trusting relationships with patients. She finds great fulfillment in helping people uncover and address mental health issues that they may not even be aware of. While treating psychiatric patients, who often have limited resources, can be challenging, Prada embraces the collaborative nature of psychiatry, working alongside social workers and psychologists to provide comprehensive care. 

Stritch School of Medicine was the first medical school in the U.S. to openly accept DACA students, creating a path for individuals like Prada to pursue careers in medicine despite legal and financial barriers. As of May 2023, Stritch has awarded Doctor of Medicine degrees to 38 DACA-eligible students, serving as a model for other institutions and advocating for reform in the U.S. immigration system. 

Prada’s time at Stritch has reinforced the importance of mentorship, advocacy, and mental health care. As she continues her journey in psychiatry, she is determined to advocate for her patients, educate herself on their rights, and use her voice as a healthcare professional to ensure that underrepresented communities receive the care and support they deserve. 

Learn more about DACA at Stritch and how they continue to support future physicians. 

November 2024