The Health Science Center’s new Ambassador Scholars for 2017 were officially recognized and introduced by President William L. Henrich, M.D., MACP, at an April 13 reception in the Academic and Administration Building.
The five scholars, one from each school in the university, are: Umber Darilek, School of Nursing; Roma Kaul, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Jose Hernandez, School of Health Professions; Patrick Ryan, Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine; and Daniel Yates, School of Dentistry.
“This recognition is a well-deserved honor,” Dr. Henrich said. “It is apparent that your efforts have been noticed by the deans who have chosen you for this significant award. You have been selected because you are excellent student leaders, and we are confident that you will be outstanding representatives of your school and the UT Health.”
Each ambassador is awarded a $2,000 scholarship. The ambassadors represent the student body at numerous events throughout the year.
Dr. Henrich thanked the 2016 Ambassador Scholars for their service, and asked them to assist in giving medals to the new scholars in their respective schools.
Darilek, from the School of Nursing, is pursuing her doctorate in nursing research. She has extensive experience as a humanitarian aid worker in Central America. Her interest is improving perinatal care for families through compassionate nursing interventions that respect the biological processes of birth and mothering.
Kaul, from the graduate school, is a native of India. She entered the Integrated Biomedical Science graduate program in 2015. Her research focuses on the pharmacology of breast cancer. She is passionate about promoting women in science, is active in student government and finds time to volunteer in the community.
Hernandez, from the School of Health Professions, is pursuing his master’s in occupational therapy. In addition to a 4.0 GPA, Hernandez has worked extensively in professional activities and community service, including Kinetic Kids, Morgan’s Wonderland, the San Antonio Children’s Hospital, Any Baby Can and many others.
Yates, a third-year dental student, holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Tech. He is an active leader in organized dentistry and currently serves as chapter president of the American Student Dental Association. He is a passionate advocate for the dental profession and partners with San Antonio District Dental Society and the Texas Dental Association other organizations for the advancement of dental students.
Ryan is a second-year medical student from Arlington, Texas, and a Notre Dame alum. While at Notre Dame he held multiple leadership roles, and after graduating he elected to spend a year at his high school alma mater teachin gand coaching because he wanted to give back to the community.
Ryan said he was honored to be an Ambassador Scholar. “To be a representative of UT Health San Antonio School of Medicine means to be a representative of something deeper than simply a student physician,” he said. “It means representing the culture in which we form our future physicians.