Peer Navigators: Meet Dillon Pham

Name: Dillon Pham

Hometown and Undergrad: I’m from Huntington Beach, CA and went to undergrad at the University of California, Los Angeles.  I graduated in 2019 with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a Minor in Global Health.

Hobbies: watching/playing sports (Go Packers!), hanging out with friends, and food adventures

What is your role in Peer Navigators?
Help to acclimate the first years to medical school. Medical school itself is stressful enough and that does not even take into account the normal stresses that occur with life. I do what I can to help the Peer Navigator program provide a sense of support and mentorship to those in need!

Why did you get involved?
I chose to be a part of the Peer Navigators program because I saw an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to the CUSOM community. It brings me joy to be able to pass on knowledge from my past mistakes, so that the future students don’t have to make the same mistakes.

What are some of the most valuable ways you think Peer Navigators serve the student body?
I think Peer Navigators have extreme versatility and contribute whenever we spot an avenue in which we can help the Class of 2025. When students expressed concern for their OSCEs last year, we hosted a mock OSCE to help them. Earlier in the year, we hosted a lot of social events to allow students to get to know each other; throughout the year, we host counseling sessions to talk with the students regarding their mental health and stresses.

What would you want your fellow students or future students to know?
Never be afraid to ask for help! The stress of medical school is intense, to say the least, but there are always people willing to help out along the way if you ask for help. The faculty, fellow students, and surrounding resources are more than happy to help you out on your journey, so the trek through medical school does not have to be a journey you take alone!