From an early age, Katherine Gonzalez played a significant role in her family’s health care decision-making. As the daughter of non-English speaking parents who came to the U.S. from Mexico, Gonzalez translated for them during visits to doctor’s offices and health clinics.
“I was so amazed by it all; I just knew this [a career in medicine] is what I wanted to do,” she said. “My parents had not received this type of health care ever in their life, and it was so touching to see how much it impacted them.”
During high school, Gonzalez wasted no time gaining experience in health care. As a senior, she completed training to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA), passed the exam and started working at a nursing facility near her home in Whiteland, Indiana. While in college, she worked as a CNA in the emergency department at Franciscan Health on Indianapolis’ south side. With the goal of becoming a doctor, the Health Sciences program in the IU School of Health & Human Sciences (SHHS) was a perfect fit.
“I liked the Health Sciences program because we learned about the different sides of health care, including the impact of mental health and health disparities,” said Gonzalez, a May 2025 Health Sciences graduate. “I believe what makes people good doctors is learning about these kinds of things in addition to the science.”
A first-generation college student, Gonzalez received a lot of support from faculty and staff at IU SHHS.
“Dr. Hollender and Dr. Berlin [Health Sciences faculty members] and my advisor Ashley [Msikinya] impacted me so much; they really motivated me all the way through college,” Gonzalez said. “Going from high school to college is a big transition, and everyone at the school was very supportive, and the communication has been great.”
Following graduation, Gonzalez will attend Marian University to complete a yearlong master’s program in biomedical sciences. She plans to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) in July and apply for medical school next year.
“I’ve seen firsthand the impact that physicians can have on patients and families and having that kind of connection is what I want in a career.”