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Cindy Do

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Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Animals
  • Art
  • Church
  • Music
  • Journaling
  • Exercise And Fitness
  • Hiking And Backpacking
  • Snowboarding

Bio

As a first-generation college student and child of Vietnamese immigrants, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that underserved communities face in accessing quality healthcare. My passion for becoming a physician assistant is deeply personal, rooted in my experiences navigating the healthcare system for my family. Witnessing the compassion of healthcare providers who bridged language and cultural barriers inspired me to pursue a career where I could do the same for others. Throughout my journey, I’ve gained hands-on experience as a medical assistant, pharmacy technician, and emergency medical responder, and I’ve volunteered in hospital emergency departments to offer comfort to isolated patients. I also serve as an Honors College mentor and teaching assistant, supporting other first-generation students in overcoming barriers in higher education. I’m committed to advancing health equity through initiatives like Caring for Camden and envision starting a street medicine program to provide direct healthcare to underserved populations. My goal is to be a patient-centered, culturally competent provider who advocates for marginalized communities and helps bridge healthcare disparities. I am eager to continue my journey in the PA field, motivated by a desire to give back to my community and make a lasting impact in healthcare.

Education

Rutgers University-Camden

Bachelor's degree program

2021 – 2025

Majors:
  • Biology, General

Cherry Hill High School East

High School

2017 – 2021

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Drexel University, University of Southern California, Northeastern University, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Career

  • Vice-President

    Education · Vietnamese Student Association at Rutgers-Camden

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2023

  • Vice-President & Vice-Operations Lead

    Mental Health Care · Active Minds at Rutgers-Camden

    Jan 2023 – Present

  • General Body Member

    Mental Health Care · Student Wellness Advisory Board at Rutgers-Camden

    Jan 2024 – Present

  • Founding Member and Vice-President

    Education · Pre-Physician Assistant Association at Rutgers-Camden

    Jan 2024 – Present

  • Program Ambassador

    Medicine · Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2024

  • Honors College Peer Mentor

    Education · Rutgers University-Camden Honors College

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2024

  • Medical Assistant

    Medicine · Regional Healthcare Associates LLC

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2024

  • Religious Education Catechist (Teaching Assistant)

    Religion · Most Precious Blood Parish

    Jan 2018 – Jan 2019

  • Manager and Receptionist

    Cosmetics · Apple Nails Spa

    Jan 2019 – Present

  • Pharmacy Technician

    Pharmaceuticals · Rite Aid Pharmacy

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2024

  • Intern

    Medicine · Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2023

  • Emergency Medical Responder

    Medicine · Cinnaminson Fire Department

    Jan 2024 – Present

  • Honors College Teaching Assistant

    Education · Rutgers University-Camden Honors College

    Jan 2024 – Present

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Medicine
Dream career goals:
Physician Assistant
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
Posh PA Underrepresented Minority Grant
As the proud daughter of two hardworking immigrants from Vietnam, I carry the resilience and determination that shaped my family’s journey to the United States. My mother’s family fled Vietnam by boat, enduring weeks at sea with scarce food before seeking asylum in a Thai refugee camp and eventually resettling in America. They arrived with nothing but hope for a better future. Growing up, I witnessed my parents’ sacrifices as they navigated the challenges of a new country, learning a foreign language, and working tirelessly to provide for our family. Their experiences instilled in me a deep commitment to service and advocacy for those who face systemic barriers—values that have shaped my journey toward becoming a physician assistant (PA). My passion for the PA profession is rooted in personal and professional experiences. In 2019, my father was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and later stage 4 lung cancer. Watching him navigate a complex healthcare system as a non-English speaker was a defining moment in my life. His PA became a beacon of hope for our family, explaining his condition in simple terms, using a whiteboard to break down complex medical jargon, and showing immense patience and compassion. This inspired me to pursue a career where I could serve as an advocate for others, particularly those from underserved communities. As a first-generation college student, I sought opportunities to make a difference through service and advocacy. At Rutgers University-Camden, I lead “Caring for Camden,” a student organization focused on addressing the needs of underserved populations. My peers and I organize hygiene, clothing, and food drives and prepare meals for over 100 home-insecure individuals monthly. These experiences taught me the power of compassion and community in addressing inequities. I also co-founded “The Period Poverty Project,” which raises over 1,200 donations of menstrual products each semester to support young women in Camden, NJ. These efforts reinforce my commitment to improving health equity and addressing social determinants of health. My clinical experiences have further solidified my dedication to providing patient-centered care. As a volunteer in the emergency department at Virtua Hospital, I spent time with admitted patients, offering comfort during their most vulnerable moments. As a medical assistant, pharmacy technician, and emergency medical responder, I continue gaining essential clinical skills to prepare me as a future clinician. During my medical mission trip to Guatemala in 2024, I provided basic health services to over 100 women in rural communities and constructed cooking stoves to improve respiratory health. Witnessing the gratitude of my patients despite language and cultural barriers strengthened my resolve to pursue a career as a PA. I aim to expand my impact through street medicine and community-based healthcare initiatives as a PA. Inspired by my leadership in “Caring for Camden” and models like the USC Street Medicine program, I envision establishing mobile healthcare units to serve unhoused populations in cities like Camden, NJ. These units would provide primary care, preventive services, and social support while fostering trust and addressing systemic barriers to healthcare access. As a PA, I will advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion within the healthcare system. My membership in the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) has exposed me to the importance of policy advocacy in shaping the profession and addressing healthcare disparities. I will use my platform to promote culturally competent care and mentor aspiring PAs from underrepresented backgrounds. Guided by resilience, compassion, and service, I aim to combine my experiences with education and training to make a lasting impact as a PA—advocating for those without a voice, breaking down barriers to care, and ensuring every patient feels valued.
Cindy Do Student Profile | Bold.org