Manuel Pompa
M.M.S., CHS-Glendale, Class of 2020 alumnus shares his inspiration and how he gives back to the community.
What made you realize that you wanted to go into your chosen profession?
My father was always a huge inspiration to me - seeing him work as a dentist in Mexico and how patients loved him inspired me to do something similar. I actually started my journey aspiring to become a dentist to follow in his footsteps; however, after I gained more experience in healthcare, I found that a role as a physician assistant definitely fit my goals and personality much more.
Could you share some background information such as where you grew up, if you had family members in the healthcare profession, or if you were the first in your family to attend a professional school?
I grew up in San Luis, AZ, a border town near Yuma, AZ. My father was a dentist in Mexico, but I was the first to attend a professional school in the US.
In what ways have you given back to Midwestern University? How have you made a difference in your community?
Currently I am working with the PA faculty to give bi-annual presentations on cultural diversity and how it relates to patient care. I am proud that as a native Spanish speaker I have been able to serve the Hispanic community. As a primary care PA, I feel that I am a central piece in providing quality care and medical education to my patients.