Name: Alec Calac
Tribe: Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians
Hometown: San Diego, CA
UCSD School of Medicine & Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science (MD/PhD)
What is some of the best advice you've ever been given as a Native student?
The best advice that I have ever heard is that you should speak your truth, even when your voice trembles. Be who you are, not who others want you to be.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, although limited, I enjoy reading science fiction novels and watching Marvel movies. I am also a big nerd at heart and enjoy the nostalgia that I get from video games that I used to play as a teenager.
How do you want to use your UCSD degree after graduation?
I am passionate about health policy and hope that I can use my training at UCSD to effect positive change across Indian Country. We need more Native healthcare professionals. I hope that my representation inspires others to pursue their own passions.
