Catherine Diep

Catherine believes she has everything at her disposal to be the best student she can be and has set her sights on high academic achievement and personal success. “I know that I can accomplish anything that I put my mind to, and I am privileged to receive the incredible education that I do at UC San Diego. With the luxury that I have of being an American, I don’t only aim for good grades, but I strive for the satisfaction of intellectual challenge and academic breadth.” Representative of her desire for both aspects, she was inducted into BioScholars, an honors society for biology majors, as well as the Revelle College Honors Program. “I’ve found great joy in learning from experts in a variety of fields, from biology to sociology, and I’m proud to bring the fiery determination and hard work that my mom has taught me to everything that I do.”

While she desires to become a physician, she has taken time to explore opportunities beyond medicine. “I became a volunteer tutor, helping first-generation and low-income students at the local nonprofit Reality Changers where I learned about the barriers that high school students from underrepresented backgrounds face. I decided to take action and became the Co-Director of the Health Outreach Program, leading the program’s rapid-pace expansion and continuous development to teach underprivileged high schoolers about healthcare careers they might otherwise feel are out of reach for them.”

So, what is it about being a doctor that makes Catherine want to continue on this arduous journey? “I remember how a family member experienced cancer and the incredible bond he had with his doctors.” She remembers the feeling of vulnerability and fear and hopelessness that no one but the healthcare team could help them through. “And now I am certain there’s nothing else I could ever possibly want to be.”