Hannah Fahuna is a Southern California native who recently began her medical school education at Burrell College of Health Sciences in New Mexico. She is inspired by her grandfather, an accomplished pediatrician whose gentle and thoughtful approach to caring for patients mirrored the warmth and attentiveness he showed to her. Hannah was attracted to the medical field because of its nature as both a scientific and deeply human profession. She is currently training to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), a physician educated to consider the whole patient, their unique experiences, and the interconnectedness of the human body, mind, and spirit. This holistic philosophy deeply resonates with Hannah’s belief that exceptional medical care is humanistic care.
Hannah completed her undergraduate education at UC Berkeley, where she studied Microbial Biology and Spanish Literature. Her interdisciplinary education strengthened her scientific foundation while deepening her understanding of culture, history, and human connection. Through her Spanish studies, Hannah developed a great appreciation for perspectives and life experiences different from her own, fostering an open-mindedness she brings to clinical encounters. She hopes to use her bilingual skills throughout her medical career to connect with patients on a deeper level, helping others feel comfortable, understood, and empowered to fully participate in their care.
Her favorite part of her undergraduate experience at Berkeley was her involvement with Challah for Hunger. She helped organize weekly Challah-braiding events to bring students together to socialize, unplug, and support efforts to combat food insecurity. The Jewish mitzvah of making challah is one of her favorites, and Challah for Hunger showed Hannah that healing and well-being extend into connection with community and service.
Although Hannah has not yet chosen a specialty, she is proud to be pursuing a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree grounded in patient-centered care. She is in her first year of medical school, learning to be a physician who bridges the world of science and humanity.