Oak Sonfist

Background

About Oak Sonfist

Current third year osteopathic medical student at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. Oak Sonfist was born and raised in New York City. In 2015, Oak graduated, with the latin honors magna cum laude, from Clark University in Worcester, MA. They majored in biochemistry and molecular biology, minored in studio art. Oak lived in Portland, OR for 4 years before moving to Yakima, WA to attend medical school.Oak has worked in the medical field for over a decade, as a diabetes educator, EMT-b, scribe and medical assistant. Oak is now continuing their career on path to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. During medical school Oak has held the following positions: student council senator for diversity and inclusion, president of the Medical School Pride Alliance, and student representative on the President’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council. Oak has lead several research projects during their time in medical school, and was an Academic Research Fellow though BNGAP. Oak is the Director for DEI-J with the national medical student organization MSPA. Oak identifies their gender as non-binary, and uses they/them pronouns. With empathy and understanding, they hope to support the underserved, such as those from communities of color and from the transgender community through medical advocacy, research, and education. Oak recognizes fear of discrimination discourages members of minority communities from seeking medical attention. Oak seeks to develop a standard in healthcare that is inclusive of all populations who may be reluctant to access medical care.