By Sandra Roa, University Communications and Marketing
Dr. Asa Oxner is a two-time graduate of ±«Óătv. She first received her bachelor’s degree in 2007 from the Judy Genshaft Honors College, where she majored in , and her medical degree from the in 2011. As a young student, Oxner was inspired by the Indiana Jones adventure movies and wanted to be an archaeologist. However, her father persuaded her to try a science class first. She excelled in the coursework and decided to instead pursue a medical degree. But Oxner never let go of her love for adventure.
“I really believe it’s heart and mind. I went into medicine to help vulnerable patients,” she said. “But I also like to understand the ecosystem and culture of something and not just write prescriptions. I think that’s why I like homeless medicine and addiction medicine because there are cultural aspects that are part of taking care of that patient.”
Helping vulnerable patients is a priority for Oxner. She is a faculty advisor for the , a student-run service that offers medical care to homeless individuals and to those living below the poverty line. She has also built a reputation for being at the center of crisis relief locally and globally. From the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico to Botswana and South Africa, Oxner has extended her services as a medical educator, primary care doctor and volunteer organizer.
Aside from being an alumna, faculty member, doctor and vice chair for the , Oxner is also researcher. In partnership with the University of Miami, she is conducting a five-year study funded by National Institutes of Health to learn the best way of delivering HIV and substance abuse treatment to patients who are homeless and dealing with drug addiction.