Sonny Caplash

UConn School of Medicine, Class of 2019

I was born in Derby, Connecticut but spent the majority of my upbringing in Monroe, Connecticut. Spending time in both Derby and Monroe gave me an appreciation for the privileges I enjoyed, as both towns had economically diverse populations. It also gave me a passion for service. I learned early on that I wanted to help people as much as I could.

While I pursued my Undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Connecticut, I helped found UConn Empower, an organization centered on helping underprivileged populations in South Asia and Africa. Going on service trips to Cameroon and India made me passionate for medicine and service. The summer after getting my degree, I spent 8 weeks volunteering at Sankara Eye Hospital in Ludhiana, India, working to improve the eye health of local villages. From these trips, I learned that poor health held back many communities more often than any single governmental policy or societal issue. I also saw that being a healthcare provider for these populations meant encountering different diseases and finding different solutions.

With the Urban Service Track, I hope to gain the skills not only to work with an integrated team of health professionals, but also to deal with the specific needs of underserved communities. The UST will help me effect change in the lives of many and help those who need it the most.