08/29/2026
Reflections of a UCEDD Summer Intern:
Jona Yoo, an undergraduate pre-medical student studying molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, recently completed an eight-week internship with the OHSU UCEDD through the Summer Internship Program.
"I was beyond excited when I came across this opportunity. My younger brother has a genetic disorder that affects his everyday life and development, and he has inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare. Throughout my life, I have watched him receive interdisciplinary, patient-centered care from geneticists, pediatricians, and therapists... Therefore, it was especially meaningful to be placed in a role that drew connections between my interests, goals, and family experience: healthcare access for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
I learned that there are barriers present even in the biggest city in Oregon... It may be easy to think of barriers to healthcare access as challenges for rural towns and underserved populations. While this is by no means untrue, it is also easy to forget about the barriers that are right here in our own cities, neighborhoods, and clinics."
Read the full story from our national network: https://www.aucd.org/news/ohsu-institute-on-development-and-disability-ucedd-summer-intern-reflection-by-jona
Association of University Centers on Disabilities
[ID: Jona Yoo with long dark wavy hair and light skin smiles at the camera wearing a white button up top standing in front of a pond with a fountain and greenery in the background.]
