From Idea to Impact: How a FutureMedLA Scholar Launched Cardiac Camp at UCLA
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
With support from FutureMedLA, a medical student turned a vision for health equity into a hands-on learning experience for underserved youth in Los Angeles.
The Idea
For Mohnish Alishala, a 2025 FutureMedLA scholarship recipient, the goal wasn’t just to succeed in medicine—it was to change how communities experience it.
His idea was simple, but ambitious: create a free, hands-on cardiac education program for high school students from underserved communities.
A program that didn’t just teach science—but built trust, access, and possibility.
Turning Vision Into Reality
Through a FutureMedLA micro-grant, that idea became Cardiac Camp at UCLA—a three-day immersive experience designed for 9th and 10th grade students across Los Angeles County.
The mission was clear:
Address health inequities at their root by investing early in education, exposure, and mentorship.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death nationwide, disproportionately affecting underserved communities. Cardiac Camp set out to change that narrative—starting with prevention, education, and empowerment through knowledge.
A Hands-On Experience That Stays With Them
Over three days, students stepped into the world of medicine—not as observers, but as participants.
They:
Explored heart anatomy and disease through interactive learning
Practiced clinical skills using real medical tools, including stethoscopes and ultrasound
Participated in a sheep heart dissection
Learned preventative health through nutrition workshops in UCLA’s Teaching Kitchen
Worked in teams to diagnose and propose treatment plans for patient cases
For many, this was their first time seeing themselves in a future in medicine.
Breaking Barriers to Access
The camp was offered completely free of charge to all participants.
That decision was intentional.
By removing financial barriers, Cardiac Camp ensured that students who often lack access to these opportunities could fully participate—opening doors that might otherwise remain closed.
Transportation support, meals, and materials were all covered, making the experience truly accessible.
Beyond the Camp: Building a Pipeline
Cardiac Camp was never meant to be a one-time experience.
Each student leaves with:
A UCLA student mentor
Guidance on navigating college and pre-med pathways
A clearer vision of what’s possible
The goal is long-term: to build a sustainable pipeline of future physicians who reflect and serve their communities.
A Milestone Moment
In April 2026, the first cohort of Cardiac Camp officially launched—and exceeded expectations.
“I’m thrilled to share that we just finished our first cohort of Cardiac Camp at UCLA this past week, and it was a resounding success,” Mohnish shared.
The impact was immediate.
Students not only engaged deeply with the material—they expressed gratitude through handwritten thank-you cards, a reflection of how meaningful the experience was.
Why This Matters
This is what FutureMedLA makes possible.
Not just scholarships—but solutions.
Not just support—but scalable ideas that reach beyond a single student.
By funding Mohnish’s vision, FutureMedLA helped create:
A new pathway into medicine for underserved youth
A model for preventative health education
A ripple effect that extends into families and communities
What Comes Next
The success of the inaugural cohort is just the beginning.
The long-term vision includes:
Expanding the number of students served
Bringing alumni back as peer leaders
Establishing Cardiac Camp as a permanent pillar in Los Angeles’ pre-med pipeline
Impact Snapshot
Program: FutureMedLA Scholarship + Micro-Grant
Initiative: Cardiac Camp at UCLA
Participants: 20 high school students
Focus: Cardiovascular health, prevention, and medical pipeline development
Outcome: Successful launch of inaugural 3-day cohort
Help send the next future physician to the rooms where decisions are made.
Comments