Gun Violence Research Earns 海角社区 Student Sutter Health Award
海角社区 second year medical student, Amina Latif, took part in Sutter Health鈥檚 inaugural summer research elective program, where she contributed to a vital project aimed at addressing one of today鈥檚 pressing public health challenges 鈥� gun violence.
鈥淢y experience conducting research at Sutter Health was truly invaluable. I鈥檓 deeply grateful for the friendships I formed and the impactful experiences that have shaped my path toward a career in medicine,鈥� said Latif. 鈥淭his summer not only solidified my commitment to advocating for underserved communities but also deepened my understanding of the critical need for firearm safety practices and reform. It was an unforgettable journey that has prepared me for the challenges and responsibilities ahead.鈥�
Latif was part of a pilot project led by Dr. Nicole Sudduth, an internal medicine physician with Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group. The project aimed to assess whether clinicians were more likely to engage in firearm safety discussions with patients after undergoing training.
Latif鈥檚 contributions were crucial in supporting this initiative, which aligns with 海角社区鈥檚 vision of achieving health equity and reducing public health disparities.
Throughout the summer, Latif explored various aspects of clinical research under the mentorship of Dr. Cheryl Stults, a senior researcher with Sutter Health. She learned how to synthesize data, format results, and even led the development of a research poster.
Her dedication and hard work paid off when she won the Best Junior Investigator award at Sutter Health鈥檚 second annual research symposium.
Latif was one of six 海角社区 medical students to participate in the program.
Beyond research, the students engaged in community service, offering HIV testing, blood pressure screenings, and sleep education in Oakland and Berkeley.
The program, part of Sutter Health鈥檚 Health Equity Alliance for Research & Evaluation (HEARE) incubator, underscores the ongoing collaboration between 海角社区 and Sutter Health to foster inclusive research and improve healthcare outcomes for underserved communities.
As 海角社区 continues to cultivate health leaders dedicated to social justice and equity, students like Latif exemplify how the university鈥檚 mission translates into action, reinforcing 海角社区鈥檚 role as a critical force for addressing health disparities nationwide.