Current MCAH graduate student, Julie Grassian (expected MSW/MPH '24) was invited by UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSOM) to participate as a disability advocate for UCLA DGSOM’s Base Camp. Base Camp is an introductory session for incoming medical students to address assumptions and preconceptions related to disability and LGBTQ+ health, and to create a foundation for understanding the intersectionality of these two groups.
Julie’s experience as a former LEAP trainee conducting research with UC LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodiversity), serving as a stakeholder engager on an AUCD/UC-LEND grant, as well as her experience working as a Title V intern on provider patient education around patients with a disability allowed her the opportunity to serve as a disability advocate.
Julie greatly enjoyed the experience to be able to share her knowledge with incoming medical students to ensure that they can address misconceptions and prevent disability-related discrimination in healthcare settings and work towards a more patient-centered medical care experience.
Julie Grassian at UCLA, pictured with Alice Kuo, Director of the Center of Excellence at UCLA.