Are you a north campus major looking to make a career in medicine or health care? Learn from a diverse group of panelists the different career paths you can take and how a degree in the humanities or social sciences is an asset.
To register, go to the event page for Careers in Medicine/Health Humanities
Meet our moderator:
Dominique Peppers, DO
For as long as she can remember, Dominique wanted to be a physician. During her 3rd year at UCLA, she changed her major from Anatomy and Physiology to Sociology and extended her studies to a 5th year to participate in the education abroad program to Italy. Dominique graduated with a BA in Sociology from UCLA. In preparation for applying to medical school, she participated in the postbaccalaureate program at the University of California in Davis. This was followed by acceptance, and subsequent graduation, from the Western University of Health Sciences as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Dominique then became a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) and worked as a clinician providing direct patient care for ~10 years at the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System. In her pursuit to help a greater amount of people and positively influence systemic change, she began a non-clinical career. Dominique has worked in multiple settings (US Dept. of Defense, healthcare insurance, and a large non-profit hospital system) and is currently in negotiation to work for a large company active in Medicare policy.
Meet our panelists:
Zachary Byrge
Zachary Byrge is a student dentist at UCSF School of Dentistry, where he is a candidate for a Doctorate in Dental Surgery (DDS). A former UCLA football player (Class of 2019), Zachary earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science: International Relations and African American Studies: Humanities. He furthered his academic pursuits by completing a Master of Arts in African American Studies at UCLA in 2022, with a focus on public health and the global economy. His commitment to addressing systemic inequities is reflected in his published research, including the 2022 article, Sugar Tax of Sweetened Beverages to Combat Health Outcomes in African American and Latinx Communities, which focused on dental caries formation in primary and secondary school children.
Zachary is currently applying to residency programs in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS), a specialized field that focuses on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the oral and maxillofacial region. His career goals include earning an MD and specializing in treating facial cranio-trauma, oral cancer, and other complex surgical cases. With his diverse experiences, Zachary offers a unique perspective on the intersection of healthcare, education, and social justice. He joins this panel to discuss the dynamic career opportunities stemming from a degree in African American Studies, sharing insights that bridge academic disciplines and professional aspirations.
Dara Goldberg
Dr. Dara Goldberg is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a private practice in California. After completing her BA in Philosophy at UCLA, she specialized in the field of psychology to help foster mental health and wellbeing in individuals and systems. Through her work in a variety of clinical settings, the role of spirituality became evident as a powerful healing tool alongside traditional psychological practices. Over time, she has developed and trademarked the practice of Spiritual Psychology® for grief, loss and connection to soul purpose.
As a published author of two books, she is now working on the workbook for the practice of Spiritual Psychology®.