2025–2026 NHLCC Scholar: Carol Gonzalez

Carol Gonzalez

MD
University of California, Davis School of Medicine

Carol Gonzalez is a medical student at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, whose work centers on advancing health equity through research, policy, and community engagement. With a background in public health and research coordination, Carol is deeply committed to addressing the social and structural drivers that shape health outcomes across diverse communities.

Before entering medical school, Carol served as the study coordinator for a project examining hypertension management among refugee, asylum seeker, and immigrant populations. The study explored both provider perspectives and the usability of remote blood pressure monitoring tools, identifying barriers such as language, access, and cultural differences, as well as facilitators like family involvement and translation services. This experience strengthened her interest in the intersections of structural resources, cultural competence, and access to quality care.

Beyond her research, Carol has been an active advocate for equitable health policy, focusing on the impact of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors on chronic disease management and preventive care. Her leadership and advocacy work reflect a broader mission to bridge clinical medicine and policy reform, ensuring that underrepresented populations are not only studied but meaningfully served in the health care system.

Carol aspires to a career as a physician-scientist, combining patient care, community-engaged research, and policy advocacy to advance health equity.