Emy Lopez Phillips, EdD
Director
Emy has worked in educational programs for over 20 years. She is an Associate Adjunct Professor with the UCSF Fresno Regional Campus and Director of the Office of Health Career Pathways & UCSF Fresno Hildebrand Medical Library. She serves on the Faculty Development Committee and chair of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Outreach Sub-committee. Her research agenda is currently focused on health pathway program outcomes and instructional frameworks for pre-medical education.
Education and Training
- Alliant International University, Ed.D., Educational Leadership & Management
- California State University, Fresno, MA Ed. , Curriculum & Instruction
Katherine A. Flores, MD
Faculty
Dr. Katherine Flores is a former farmworker and an alum of Stanford University and UC Davis School of Medicine. She is an Associate Clinical Professor with the UCSF School of Medicine and was the founding director of the UCSF Fresno Latino Center for Medical Education and Research. For over 30 years, she has been passionate in developing and advocating for pipeline programs that recruit and retain underserved and underrepresented youth into health careers. In collaboration with health and education partners, she initiated the Doctors Academy in Fresno County, which is a longitudinal, comprehensive health pathway program that serves youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. She also serves with several organizations that support health workforce development such as the California Endowment Board of Directors, the California Blue Shield Foundation Board of Directors, HCAI's California Health Workforce and Training Council, and she serves as the Co-Director of the California Health Professions Consortium. Additionally, she maintains a bilingual family medicine practice in Fresno, California.
Stephanie Huerta Alvarez, MPH
Manager
[email protected]
Stephanie Huerta Alvarez grew up in the small, rural farm town of Caruthers, CA and is an alumnus of the first DA cohort at Caruthers High School. In 2016, she joined UCSF Fresno initially as an Academic Program Coordinator and served as the Education Director in 2022 and 2023 before being promoted to Manager of the Office of Health Career Pathways in September 2023. As a first generation student and teen parent, she graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a Bachelors of Science degree in Human Biology with a minor in Latin American and Latino Studies. She also became the first in her family to complete a graduate degree and has a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of California, Berkeley. Stephanie’s personal and professional work experiences has shaped her efforts to identify and bridge the gaps in the K-16 health career pathway for future health professionals, increase educational attainment in rural and urban communities in the Central San Joaquin Valley and diversify the health care workforce. Along with her husband, who is also an alumni of the Doctors Academy, she enjoys spending her free time traveling to hers kids’ sporting events, crafting and finding new local restaurants and small businesses.
Education and Training
- University of California, Santa Cruz, BS, Human Biology and minor in Latin American and Latino Studies
- University of California, Berkeley, MPH with a concentration in Community Health
Angela Allison
Supervisor, College Prep Health Pathways
[email protected]
Angela Allison, a proud native of Sanger, California, brings a wealth of dedication and expertise to her role as Supervisor of College Prep Health Pathways at UCSF Fresno. Joining the UCSF Fresno LaCMER team in 2009 as an Administrative Assistant, Angela quickly established herself as an invaluable resource. Her commitment to student success and program excellence led to her promotion to Academic Program Coordinator in 2019 and, most recently, Supervisor in November 2023. In her role, Angela is the driving force behind key program elements, including recruiting and scheduling inspiring guest speakers and coordinating impactful senior summer shadowing experiences. She is passionate about creating opportunities for students to explore health careers and supporting the growth of the JDA and DA programs. Outside of work, Angela treasures quality time with her husband and adult children. Angela often enjoys the thrill of treasure hunting at yard sales or adventures in the great outdoors. A lifelong learner, she continuously seeks ways to blend her interests into creative and enriching experiences for others.
Education and Training
- California State University, Fresno, MAEd, Curriculum and Instruction
- California State University, Fresno, Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Technology
- California State University, Fresno, BS, Business Administration Marketing
- Kings River Community College, AA, General Studies
- Youth Mental Health First Aid | Certified Trainer
- Teen Mental Health First Aid | Certified Trainer
Marisol Vargas,
Academic Program Coordinator
Marisol Vargas (her/ella) grew up in the San Gabriel Valley and Central Valley. She graduated from Golden West High School, where she was a participant in college preparatory programs, such as AVID. Marisol is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she majored in Chicana/o Studies with a minor in Education and Psychology. She received her Master of Education from the University of Southern California, where she focused on Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs. Marisol is a proud first-generation Latina professional. She is an equity champion and higher education innovator focused on outreach and retention, striving to improve educational diversity on college campuses. Her commitment to racial and educational equity stems from her experiences navigating higher education and professional spaces as the first in her family to graduate from college, as a daughter of Mexican immigrants, and as a product of the Central Valley. Marisol has 8 years of experience supporting and leading college preparatory programs. She is dedicated to building a pipeline of first-generation scholars to not only thrive in postsecondary institutions but also thrive in professional spaces and is very excited to serve as a resource and guide the next generation of students. When Marisol is not supporting students, she enjoys going to the gym, hiking, reading, trying new foods, and photographing people in her community. Marisol enjoys traveling, & spending time with her family, friends, and her four dogs.
Education and Training
- University of California Santa Barbara, B.A Chicana/o Studies with a focus in Education and Psychology
- University of Southern California, M.Ed. Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs
Currently serving the following sites: Sunnyside High School Doctors Academy
Maiah Madrigal
Academic Program Coordinator
Born and raised in Fresno, CA, Maiah is a proud alumnus of the Junior Doctors Academy and Doctors Academy. Maiah gives credit to the programs for the vast amount of support and guidance one needs through middle school and high school to be college and career ready. After high school, Maiah pursued a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from California State University, Fresno. After she obtained her Masters of Science in Sociology from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Throughout the years, she has built her capacity in a variety of ways in the field of education, from being a teaching fellow, peer mentor, and student representative with the Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects at CSU, Fresno. Maiah enjoys helping students, staff, and families navigate and work together in order for everyone to succeed. During Maiah’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and family.
Education and Training
- California State University, Fresno, BA, Sociology
- Texas A&M University-Commerce, MS, Sociology
Currently serving the following sites: Fresno Unified Junior Doctors Academy
Tony Santos
Project Specialist
Tony joined the UCSF Fresno team as a Project Specialist in 2022. A first-generation college graduate, Tony earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration with a minor in Business Management from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Before joining UCSF, Tony worked in healthcare administration back in North Dakota. He's excited to continue his career in healthcare and contribute to UCSF Fresno's mission. In his free time, Tony enjoys outdoor activities and exploring California.
Education and Training
- Minnesota State University Moorhead, BS Health Services Administration, minor in Business Management, and an emphasis in Long-term Care Administration
Paz Delsid
Administrative Officer II
Born and raised in Fresno, Paz Delsid is the department's Administrative Officer. Her role is to coordinate the efforts of the California Health Professions Consortium (chpc.ucsf.edu), support the educational program teams and assist leadership. She is excited to support middle school, high school and college students, in an established program, to reach their goals of eventually practicing medicine in the Central Valley. Having worked in education for over 15 years, she formerly worked at a charter high school and with school library services; consulting, conducting training workshops and supporting their program goals. She loves pink and abhors squirrels. Life is sometimes too busy to cozy up with a traditional book, so she reads subtitles, articles, blogs, and picture books a lot.
Education and Training
- Fresno City College, AA, Liberal Arts
- San Diego Office of Education, Instructional Media Resource Associate Certification
- Fresno Pacific University, BA, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership
Raman Bains
Program Liaision
Raman currently serves as the Program Liaison, where she plays a vital role in coordinating alumni programming for Doctors Academy and the SJV-MedBridge Program. Once a Doctors Academy student herself, her journey from student to program advocate has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing her to create meaningful community engagement. Now after returning to the Central Valley, Raman is dedicated to empowering alumni to thrive and stay connected long after their educational journey ends. Outside of work, you can find her exploring nature trails, indulging in a good book, or enjoying quality time with friends and family.
Education and Training
- University of California, Berkeley, BA in Integrative Biology with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
Hope Delgado
Program Liaision
Hope grew up in the close-knit agricultural community of Caruthers, California, and graduated from Caruthers High School’s Doctors Academy in 2016. As a first-generation college student, the Doctors Academy introduced her to the field of medicine and sparked her passion for health equity. Hope went on to attend UC Berkeley, where she double majored in Chicano Studies and Molecular and Cellular Biology. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at UC Berkeley, with aspirations to integrate public health practices into her medical career. Now as Program Liaison, she supports outreach events and recruitment efforts for the Office of Health Career Pathways. With a deep appreciation for the impact the Doctors Academy has had on her life, Hope is dedicated to returning to Caruthers to serve as a health provider. She aims to address social determinants of health and inspire local students to pursue higher education. In her free time, Hope enjoys exploring nature and participating in her book club.
Education and Training
- University of California, Berkeley, BA in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a concentration in Medical Biology and Physiology
- University of California, Berkeley, BA in Chicano Studies
- University of California, Berkeley, MPH Candidate, Interdisciplinary
Jimena Martinez
Student Support Assistant
Jimena is currently pursuing a career in radiology. As a full-time student, she is focused on developing the skills necessary to excel in the field of radiology, driven by her passion for patient care and diagnostic imaging. Jimena works as a Student Support Assistant, where she helps 11th-grade high school students with their research. When she’s not studying or working, she enjoys spending time with her Maltipoo, Minnie, whether it’s going on walks in the park or taking car rides to grab coffee (and a pup cup, of course!). In her downtime, she loves unwinding with a good book.
Education and Training
- Fresno City College, AS, Pre-Allied Health (Anticipated May 2025)
- Certified Medical Assistant