Christopher Soares

UConn School of Dental Medicine

I am a first-year dental student and a recent UConn graduate with a degree in molecular and cell biology. During high school, I was initially exposed to the health care field through volunteer work with Danbury Hospital and several local health care centers. My first college-level experience with underserved populations occurred during an Alternative Break immersion trip to the Gulf Coast, one of the first of many for me. I felt as though I made a tangible difference.  Moreover, the trip identified many new social issues, such as homelessness, health care and affordable housing. More importantly, it showed me how an individual could spark change. During a subsequent immersion trip to the Dominican Republic, I led a group that provided preventive health care workshops on oral health, nutrition, and safe sex practices for children and adults living in rural villages. That activity made me realize that education is empowering.

I hope to use my experiences with UST to develop as a physician, and to apply my skills to work with underserved populations.