Finding Beauty in the Struggles

PA student Oscar Monzon turns life’s toughest moments into motivation to serve others

Maya Angelou famously said that people tend to forget the things that other people say and do, but we never forget how they made us feel. For Oscar Monzon, PA-S1, it was a physician assistant (PA) who was part of his brother’s care team that left a lasting impression –one that set him on his current career path.

“I would attend my brother’s oncology appointments with my mom,” Monzon recalled. “The way that the PA took care of my brother really inspired me. They were difficult moments, especially for my mom who doesn’t speak English. Even with the language barrier, the PA was always very nice while trying to get to the bottom of what was going on with my brother.”

From treatment options to taking the time to show compassion, the PA’s example ultimately led Monzon to apply to the Atkinson Physician Assistant Education program at UC San Diego School of Medicine.

In its second year, the program had nearly 3,000 applicants and admitted 30 students. Monzon said he feels blessed and honored to have been accepted into the program.

“I am not taking anything for granted throughout this training,” said Monzon, who was born in Mexico, but grew up in Imperial Valley. “When I first found out I was accepted into the program, I was in denial. It took me an hour or two to believe it was real. You don’t always hear about things like this happening for people where I am from. My community is underserved and so we are not always exposed to the career opportunities that are out there. I am just really happy to be where I am today.”

A graduate of UC Davis, Monzon studied environmental toxicology as an undergraduate. After graduation, he earned an emergency medical technician (EMT) license and worked as an emergency room technician before moving back to Southern California and applying to the PA program here at UC San Diego.

“I chose UC San Diego because of the mission and goals,” he explained. “I want to be able to provide patient-centered care to underserved populations. With everything that my family went through with my brother, I want to be able to pay it forward and provide the same care that the PA gave my family. I want to serve the region in Imperial Valley that raised me.”

As he is getting back into the rhythms and routines of being in a learning environment again, Monzon is mindful of assuring he maintains balance, especially when things get really challenging. Using the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method that involves working in focused intervals with short breaks, he says that scheduling out each hour he is awake helps keep him focused and grounded throughout his studies.

“I am passionate about fitness. I play a lot of soccer here in San Diego,” he said. “I try to play at least twice a week. I go to church on Sundays to keep from falling into that imposter syndrome that so many of us experience. My motivation is my family and my roots. I just keep reminding myself why I am here.”

In addition to looking to his family for encouragement, Monzon is mindful of the journey he is on.

“I really believe there is beauty in the struggle,” he said. “Even when times are tough, I try to find those moments where I can really learn. It's in the areas of discomfort that we grow the most, so I try to find that beauty and keep pushing forward.”