Local Heroes: Alexis Aleman and Irvin Garcia Real

Nominee Name: Alexis Aleman and Irvin Garcia Real
Title: UCLA DGSOM Medical Students & Creators, Foos In Medicine

About Alexis Aleman and Irvin Garcia Real

Two UCLA Medical Students (Alexis Aleman and Irvin Garcia Real) founded Foos in Medicine, a social media community of over half a million followers, with the mission of inspiring people from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their dreams. Along the journey, they have faced their fair share of obstacles on the path to medicine, from growing up in low-income and immigrant households, to struggling alongside institutional barriers that underrepresented minorities often face in higher education.

Through their signature humor and their advocacy work, these ‘foos’ are committed to inspiring others and increasing the representation in the medicine, STEM and healthcare space. Foos in Medicine strives to positively impact the communities that have been often overlooked. They have had the privilege to work with organizations such as the Gasol Foundation, UCLA Health, The Dodgers Foundation, NIKE, CDC, Ad Council, UNIDOS-US and have partnered with brands such as Apple, Chevrolet, Verizon, Amazon, TIAA and more in order to advance conversations around these important topics.

Lastly, their advocacy and public speaking work has been heard by thousands of students and paraprofessionals, and they have had the privilege to speak at events for institutions such as the University of California, The Gilbert and Jacki Cisneros Foundation, Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators and more.