Annual Publication 2025 FINAL 05292025 accessible - Flipbook - Page 61
PHOTO: JULIAN FOX
DIANA PEÑA, MD, AND PATIENT
if I matched in the right program.” Her program director told her it
was a common problem. “Give it time,” she said. Six months later,
Dr. Peña found her rhythm and went on to complete her threeyear residency, learning everything she could during her time at
Stanford’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital.
But that’s when Dr. Peña came to a crossroads. As a young
physician coming out of a top program, she could have gone
anywhere. There were lucrative private practice opportunities
in Northern California. But she didn’t bite. Instead, she chose to
come home and is now chief resident of the pediatrics program
at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. The girl who
started kindergarten knowing only a few words of English is now
rocking an impressive resume … and chipping away at our doctor
shortage, treating an underserved population she knows all too
well.
She also knows that while prestige is nice, this is where she can
make a real difference.
“I hope to become a role model for Latinos and especially Latinas,”
she says. “Because we need more people, we de昀椀nitely need
more representation from different cultures and backgrounds.”
Seeing the amount and variety of care that is available in Palo
Alto has shown her what is possible. Now Dr. Peña looks forward
to helping grow Southern Nevada’s healthcare infrastructure.
She’s particularly excited about the effort to build the area’s 昀椀rst
freestanding children’s hospital. “I’m very encouraged because a
freestanding children’s hospital will draw subspecialists who may
not have considered working in Las Vegas. I’m hopeful we can
provide better care for the children here.”
SUMMER 2025 MAGAZINE
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