Office of Academic Culture and Community

Join us in welcoming our 2026 Cohort of Medical Admissions Preparatory Program (MAPP) students. This exceptional group will spend the summer engaged in intensive preparation for the medical school application process, including academic enrichment, mentorship, and professional development.

Throughout the program, students will gain valuable insight into the path to medicine while building the skills and confidence needed to take the next step in their journeys. We are honored to support and guide them during this important stage and look forward to witnessing all they accomplish!

Utah Asian Festival Happening Today! 🎉

🗓 Saturday, June 6th
⏰️ 11 am - 10 pm
📍 Utah State Fairpark
155 N 1000 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Congratulations to Mariam Atobiloye, recipient of this year’s Fourth-Year Medical Student Academic Culture and Community Award!

Mariam has demonstrated outstanding leadership, mentorship, and advocacy in fostering a culture of belonging and inclusivity within the School of Medicine and beyond. As a leader in the Student National Medical Association, she has helped organize impactful events elevating voices and perspectives, including a Women’s History Month program featuring nationally recognized physicians. Her commitment to mentoring peers and aspiring physicians has strengthened community and supported student success.

Through her research at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, Mariam also advances health equity by studying disparities in cancer treatment among rural and non-rural patients. Across her mentorship, research, and community engagement, she continues working to ensure medicine reflects and serves all communities. 🎉

Congratulations to Rebecca Lish, recipient of the Staff Academic Culture and Community Award!

Rebecca is a dedicated advocate for student success and belonging at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. As an Academic Success Advisor, she provides both academic guidance and steady emotional support, meeting students where they are, and helping them navigate some of the most challenging moments of medical training.
Through her mentorship, individualized strategies, and unwavering belief in her students’ potential, Rebecca helps transform uncertainty into confidence and success. Her compassion, patience, and commitment to student wellbeing have made a lasting impact on countless future physicians. 🎉

Congratulations to Dr. Eli Moreno, recipient of the 2026 Faculty Academic Culture and Community Award!

Dr. Moreno is recognized for advancing inclusivity, belonging, and health equity through education, clinical care, and community engagement. They helped develop a curriculum addressing structural inequities and strengthening resident wellbeing and accountability.
They also led efforts connecting the university with the broader community, including refugee clinical services and training in cultural humility and trauma-informed care. Through mentorship and advocacy, Dr. Moreno continues to foster a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment.

OACC was honored to celebrate our Leadership Fellows as they completed their fellowship year. We are grateful for the advocacy, research and mentorship they have shared with our office and community, and we are proud to celebrate their meaningful contributions.

Congratulations to our incredible OACC fellow on your graduation! Today, we want to celebrate Bita Tristani-Firouzi! Dr. Tristani-Firouzi matched into Dermatology at the University of Utah.

Congratulations to our incredible OACC fellow on your graduation! Today, we want to celebrate May Shaaban! Dr. Shaaban matched into OBGYN at Kaiser Permanente Oakland.

Congratulations to our incredible OACC fellow on your graduation! Today, we want to celebrate Brock Coleman! Dr. Coleman matched into Interventional Radiology at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Congratulations to our incredible OACC fellow on your graduation! Today, we want to celebrate Silvia Soule! Dr. Soule will spend the next year at the University of Utah as a Head and Neck Surgical Oncology Research Fellow before heading into residency.