From Margins to Medicine

Book excerpt: Going from the margins of society as an immigrant child in the United States to becoming a First-Generation physician in his family's history, William Mundo describes his path to medicine while at the same time overcoming the adversity of being a minority student in medicine and higher education. In Margins to Medicine: A First-Generation Student's Health Equity Guide on Overcoming Adversity with Diversity, Mundo delivers a health equity guide that discusses the intersections of medicine with ethnic and racial studies alongside public health and the social determinants of health. In this memoir-style reference book, you will acquire an introduction to the health sciences combined with readings for diversity and social justice through compelling life narratives rooted in theory and practice.In this in-depth exploration, Mundo explains how the understanding of critical race theory and ethnic studies and their interrelationship with health equity - a vital framework utilized to overcome health inequities in our country. Understanding the complex interactions of how racism makes us sick is essential for any public health and health practitioners, as well as for a wide range of other allied health and social welfare professionals, including researchers concerned with combating health inequity while at the same time promoting racial justice. At the very heart of this book is a valuable reading for any diverse First-Generation student who dreams of becoming a doctor amid the historical disadvantages and adversities we face in our daily lives.