Gun Violence Research Earns CDU Student Sutter Health Award
CDU second year medical student, Amina Latif, took part in Sutter Health’s inaugural summer research elective program, where she contributed to a vital project aimed at addressing one of today’s pressing public health challenges — gun violence.
“My experience conducting research at Sutter Health was truly invaluable. I’m deeply grateful for the friendships I formed and the impactful experiences that have shaped my path toward a career in medicine,” said Latif. “This summer not only solidified my commitment to advocating for underserved communities but also deepened my understanding of the critical need for firearm safety practices and reform. It was an unforgettable journey that has prepared me for the challenges and responsibilities ahead.”
Latif was part of a pilot project led by Dr. Nicole Sudduth, an internal medicine physician with Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group. The project aimed to assess whether clinicians were more likely to engage in firearm safety discussions with patients after undergoing training.
Latif’s contributions were crucial in supporting this initiative, which aligns with CDU’s vision of achieving health equity and reducing public health disparities.
Throughout the summer, Latif explored various aspects of clinical research under the mentorship of Dr. Cheryl Stults, a senior researcher with Sutter Health. She learned how to synthesize data, format results, and even led the development of a research poster.
Her dedication and hard work paid off when she won the Best Junior Investigator award at Sutter Health’s second annual research symposium.
Latif was one of six CDU medical students to participate in the program.
Beyond research, the students engaged in community service, offering HIV testing, blood pressure screenings, and sleep education in Oakland and Berkeley.
The program, part of Sutter Health’s Health Equity Alliance for Research & Evaluation (HEARE) incubator, underscores the ongoing collaboration between CDU and Sutter Health to foster inclusive research and improve healthcare outcomes for underserved communities.
As CDU continues to cultivate health leaders dedicated to social justice and equity, students like Latif exemplify how the university’s mission translates into action, reinforcing CDU’s role as a critical force for addressing health disparities nationwide.