Friday, Dec 13, 2024 • Cristal Gonzalez : contact

When Bijahn Prox was exploring different career paths in junior high, she knew right away obstetrics-gynecology (OB/GYN) was the route she wanted to take.

One of her first stops in reaching that goal was The University of Texas at Arlington, where she’ll be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies on Friday, Dec. 14, at Globe Life Field.

When Prox transferred to UTA in 2022, she was able to create the perfect program incorporating health care, sciences and women’s studies within the Honors College. Her coursework and undergraduate research combined all her academic interests to ensure she’d be prepared for the next step in her academic journey—studying for the Medical College Admissions Test and getting accepted into medical school.

“When I was applying to UTA, I saw the interdisciplinary studies major and I just knew it was perfect for me because I would get to study the different disparities women face in health care and also study the sciences so I could be ready for medical school and help women in need as a future OB/GYN,” said Prox.

For the last two semesters, Prox has been investigating maternal mortality rates for marginalized Texas women for her Honors Capstone project. She worked under the guidance of Eli Shupe, assistant professor of philosophy and humanities and co-director of the Medical Humanities and Bioethics Program, and Jennifer Woo, assistant professor in the College of Nursing and Health Innovation. Both of Prox’s mentors noted her clear passion to serve and create impact for women in underserved communities.

“Bijahn's Honors Capstone project does important work documenting the challenges faced by underserved patient populations in our state, and the quality of her work marks her as someone who has the potential to do great and important things in the world after she graduates,” said Dr. Shupe. “It was my privilege to work with her and to learn from her.”

Prox explained that she came across many roadblocks during her research, but with the help of her mentors she was able to keep working and finalize her capstone project.

“There were definitely a lot of struggles, and at some points it seemed impossible. I would begin down one pathway and start my research, but it just always seemed like I would hit some kind of barrier because the information wasn’t there, or the results weren’t what I expected. However, I kept shifting my ideas and, with the help of Dr. Shupe and Dr. Woo, I was able to land on something I was passionate about and aligned with my interest in women’s health,” she said.

For Prox, this undergraduate research experience has not only helped her grow academically, but it’s also helped her develop into the professional she hopes to become in the future.

“I've learned so much about myself and even changed in a lot of ways. This undergraduate experience has shifted my mindset on how I want to go about things,” said Prox. “It’s made me become the person who wants to give it her all and try to find new and creative ways to be authentic and represent myself to approach the task that's at hand.”

“I want to practice women's health, but most importantly I want to help women in all aspects,” she continued. “I think that encompasses mental health, overall well-being and helping women access the things they need, such as food or shelter. In my future, I want to connect with other physicians so we can find way to improve women’s lives and close the disparity gaps.”