Luca Valle
A native of the Pacific Northwest, I studied Biology and Spanish Literature at Occidental College in Los Angeles and knew upon graduating that I would pursue a career that unified biomedical science and service. As a fourth year medical student, I witnessed the profound impact radiation therapy can have on the lives of cancer patients. And yet, I also see opportunities for an even greater impact if access to this therapy could be improved. I have been privileged to see the world through a broad lens by virtue of my multicultural upbringing, Fulbright teaching fellowship in Indonesia, international research endeavors with the US State Department, and domestic volunteer efforts on Native American reservations. The unmistakable gap between care that is needed and care that is available in many corners of the globe has motivated me to tackle the problem of cancer care in resource-limited settings and forge partnerships that will allow me to be an effective participant in this process. As one of the inaugural global health scholars at Dartmouth Medical School, I have been able to dedicate time outside the classroom and beyond the wards to exploring why barriers to healthcare exist and how best to deconstruct them. I am currently participating in a clinical/translational research fellowship at the National Cancer Institute and plan to pursue residency training in radiation oncology. I am thrilled to be marrying my passion for radiation therapy and health equity through the International Cancer Export Corps and I look forward to the conversations, collaborations, and innovations that lie ahead.