Hello! My name is Jewel Llamas and I am originally from Utica, New York, but I was raised in Lynchburg, Virginia by my amazing grandparents with my older sister.
For undergrad, I went to Duke University (#GoBlueDevils, #FoveverDukeBlue) and studied cultural anthropology. I have always loved learning about and being exposed to different cultures. Accordingly, before starting medical school, I wanted to learn more about the most important part of medicine: people.
After obtaining my BA, I worked as a scribe in the emergency department of my hometown before starting medical school at the University of Virginia (UVA). At UVA, I was heavily involved in its chapter of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), being community service chair for two years, chapter president my final year and the 2017 National Member of the Year. At UVA, I was also involved in the health system’s diversity initiatives, recruitment and education/ training about discriminatory behavior in the health system.
In my free time I enjoy reading (or now mostly listening to audiobooks while I drive), spending time with my friends/ family, salsa dancing, anything involving food and watching movies.
My professional interests included underserved populations, women’s health, adolescent health, diversity initiatives/ training and global health.
