Mark Bernardo ’21

I studied biochemistry and history in college in order to gain an understanding of humanity in both the micro and macro scale. After graduating, I worked as a medical scribe in an emergency department back in my hometown of Concord, NH. In a city that was rapidly expanding and becoming more diverse, there were healthcare disparities that needed addressing. It was during this time that I witnessed providers skillfully manage patients from different backgrounds with compassion and cultural competence. From this experience, I developed a passion for minority health and decided to apply to medical school.

At UNE COM, I developed the clinical skills necessary to evaluate and treat the patient as a whole. I participated in organizations like White Coats 4 Black Lives, Student National Medical Association and Culinary Medicine Club, which helped me gain a deeper understanding of how health is affected by a multitude of factors and how certain populations are impacted more than others. Now that I am on my clinical rotations, I can confidently say that I am prepared to care for a broad spectrum of patients. I can use the privilege of becoming a physician to make system-wide changes and break down barriers to better healthcare.