Medical Student
Central Michigan University College of Medicine
Jeffrey Cruz MS, MPH is a second-year medical student at the Central Michigan University College of Medicine. Originally from Los Angeles, California, he attended the University of California, Irvine where he completed his bachelor’s degree in Developmental and Cell Biology. He then completed his Master of Public Health degree at the University of Southern California. During this period, Jeffrey focused much of his effort in clinical research focused on obesity-related development because of near roadway air pollution exposure through southern California. Once committing to the pursuit of a career as a physician, Jeffrey would attend the University of South Florida where he would receive his master’s degree in Medical Science in 2019. Following graduation, Jeffrey would continue his time at the University of South Florida as an Academic Program Coordinator where he helped facilitate course material to 300 graduate-level students and assisted in recruiting efforts for the Office of Graduate and Student Affairs. Following the events of the COVID-19 pandemic national lockdown, Jeffrey switched gears and volunteered during the summer of 2020 when national efforts began in mass PCR testing of surrounding communities. After the summer, Jeffrey would take active efforts in working in clinical settings as a medical assistant for both Palma Ceia Family Care and Academic Alliance in Dermatology in Tampa, Florida. Future goals are centered around practicing medicine through a public health lens and providing care for those in underserved and underprivileged communities. Jeffrey’s hope is that these efforts in medicine will help pave the way for opportunities in healthcare policy development at both the state and national levels.
