Karin Zikra

Currently a pre-med senior at the University of Central Florida, Karin is earning a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Psychology. She was born in Damascus, Syria, and moved to the United States at the age of 12. Upon moving, Karin became cognizant of the many issues that impact refugee and immigrant communities, among other vulnerable populations. This eventually led to her involvement with her local Pre-Med AMSA chapter as a Health Policy director. During that time, she undertook several advocacy projects to spread awareness about global and national health disparities, as well as participated in AMSA’s Health Equity Week of Action. Her immersion in such efforts enhanced her passion for supporting marginalized communities and addressing existing health disparities within underserved populations. Karin is eager to use her position as a National AMSA leader to highlight the injustices that plague immigrant and refugee communities, as well as other oppressed groups, particularly in the framework of healthcare. She hopes to take on a more active role in launching new and growing current advocacy efforts, as well as supporting fellow members in taking action on issues they feel strongly about. In her free time, Karin enjoys reading, playing the piano, spending time with her family, and exploring new food.