School of Medicine Medical Scholars Program

Helping Undergraduates to Careers in Health & Biomedical Sciences

2010-11 MSP

Our Alumni

Listed below are some of our recent alumni with information on their post-graduate career and education, roles they held during their time in the Medical Scholars Program (MSP), and memorable experiences while part of the MSP undergraduate community and more. 

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Elizabeth Fletes – UCR Class of 2021

Elizabeth graduated from UCR in March of 2021 with her bachelor of science in biology. She participated in the FastStart 2017 program and continued in Medical Scholars Program (MSP) the entirety of her undergraduate career. While in MSP she held positions such as social team leader for two years and student leader for one year. MSP has assisted Elizabeth in her healthcare ambitions by providing countless resources, beneficial opportunities, and overwhelming support to further her career. Elizabeth is currently an optometry student at Marshall B. Ketchum University’s Southern California College of Optometry. In the future, Elizabeth hopes to open her own low-vision rehabilitation center and assist the geriatric population of her community.
Elizabeth Fletes
UCR Class of 2021, Biology -- MBKU SCCO 2026
Elizabeth Fletes

Jasmine Gwizdala - UCR SOM Class of 2027

Jasmine Gwizdala
Jasmine graduated from UCR in spring of 2022 with a bachelor of science in neuroscience. Jasmine was admitted to the UCR School of Medicine through the Thomas Haider Early Assurance Program in 2022. She was involved in the Medical Scholars Program (MSP) for four years and was a student employee for three years. where she assisted with facilitating the Medical Leaders of Tomorrow and JumpStart programs. MSP has supporting Jasmine in learning about the field of medicine, apply to clinical and extracurricular activities, and make lifelong friends. Jasmine's favorite MSP memory was serving as a peer mentor for students and seeing her mentees achieve their goals of academic success, job acceptances, and medical school acceptances.
Jasmine Gwizdala, BS
Class of 2022, Neuroscience -- UCR SOM MD Candidate 2027

Dr. Evita Limon-Rocha, MD, MPH -  UCR Class of 2007

Dr. Evita Limon-Rocha is currently a practicing child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist here in the county of Riverside. She is an alumna of UCR and of our Medical Scholars Program (MSP). Upon graduation from UCR she completed her medical training at UCLA where she was part of the UCLA PRIME Program. There she completed her MPH in health policy and management in addition to medical school. She went on to complete her residency at UCI and completed her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, School of Medicine. Evita is a long-time supporter of the Medical Scholars Program and has contributed to our quarterly events throughout the years, as well as continuing to make a great impact with her contributions to UCR’s Chicano Latino Alumni Association. She is married and is a proud mother of three who enjoys reading and teaching.
Dr. Evita Limon-Rocha, MD, MPH
UCR Class of 2007, Biology and Spanish Minor -- UCLA: MPH in Health Policy and Management 2012 and MD 2013 -- Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist
Evita Limon-Rocha MD MPH

Kathlyn Larco – UCR Class of 2010

Kathlyn Larco at her physcian assistant graduation
Kathlyn is currently a neurosurgery physician assistant (PA). She graduated from UCR in 2010 with a bachelor of science in biology and a minor in psychology. She spent a few years working as a scribe, first in pediatric cardiology, and later in pain medicine. Kathlyn learned about PAs and their role in medicine when she worked for the pediatric cardiologist group at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), where she had the opportunity to shadow PAs, and see how they can see patients and work within a broad scope of practice. She attended the UC Davis physician assistant program and graduated in September of 2020. She worked at a private outpatient internal medicine clinic and as a clinical trial sub-investigator for over a year before transitioning into neurosurgery.

Kathlyn was involved in the Medical Scholars Program (MSP) throughout her undergraduate years, was the 2007 recipient of the Partnership for Success Scholarship, and was a peer mentor during her senior year. Kathlyn’s favorite MSP memory was making close knit friends with fellow students, attending sessions with facilitators, and studying at the MSP modular before exams. Kathlyn takes pride in serving the Hispanic community and being one of the “few providers who speak Spanish” directly to her patients. She looks forward to helping fellow Hispanic immigrants further their studies and go on to serve the Hispanic community as well.
Kathlyn Larco, MHS, PA-C
UCR Class of 2010, Biology and Psychology Minor -- UC Davis: Physician Assistant Program, 2020

Dr. Paul "Pablo" Santiago Ruiz, MD – UCR Class of 2014

Dr. Ruiz is currently a resident at the UCR School of Medicine's (SOM) Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience. He graduated from UCR in 2014. Upon graduation from UCR, he completed the UCSF School of Medicine Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate Program. He then attained his MD from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine before returning to UCR to continue his residency training within the field of psychiatry. His past pre-health experiences include working with the Latino Medical Student Association+ (LMSA+) at UCR, UCR SOM's Riverside Free Clinic, UCR SOM Pathway Program's Health Coach Program and Medical Leaders of Tomorrow Program, UCR SOM's Standardized Patient team, Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine, and the California CareForce Free Healthcare Clinic. While at the MSP he held the roles of a senior closer, peer mentor, and intern. MSP has supported his undergraduate journey by fostering an inclusive environment of scholastic and personal growth, networking opportunities, employment, and hope. His hobbies include mentorship, reading, weightlifting, and running.
Dr. Paul "Pablo" Santiago Ruiz, MD
UCR Class of 2014, Ethnic Studies and Spanish Minor -- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine: MD, 2022
Dr. Ruiz in a suit and tie smiling for his headshot

Alfonso Parocua, MD UCR SOM Class of 2023

Alfonso Parocua
Alfonso Parocua, M.D., graduated from the UCR School of Medicine in June 2023 and started a residency at San Mateo Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. Alfonso’s involvement in UCR’s Pathway Programs began in the summer of 2014 when he completed the FastStart program. He then joined the Medical Scholars Program (MSP), holding multiple employment and leadership roles."

"He developed a passion for providing mentorship and serving the Inland Southern California community through multiple service opportunities including the Riverside Free Clinic, San Bernardino Free Clinic, the Mini Medical School, the Health Scholars Program, and UCR’s undergraduate chapter of the Latino Medical Students Association. Upon graduating from UCR with a degree in biological sciences in 2018, he returned to the FastStart program as an academic success mentor for over 30 incoming UCR freshmen from historically disadvantaged communities. Shortly after, he filled the role of the Pathway Programs advisor, where he assisted in day-to-day functions and events for the unit, including the MSP, FastStart, and the post-baccalaureate program. Within psychiatry, he hopes to contribute to the destigmatization of mental health and psychiatric conditions, especially among immigrant, migrant, and homeless populations. Outside of medicine, he enjoys watching sports, weightlifting, and playing music.
Dr. Alfonso Parocua, MD
UCR School of Medicine Class of 2023 -- UCR Class of 2018, Biological Sciences, Cum Laude