Minerva

Orellana

PhD

MS

Biography

Minerva Orellana, PhD, MS, is a community-engaged health services researcher whose focus spans different gynecologic disorders with an interest in underrepresented women.

Dr. Orellana uses her work to listen to women's experiences in their healthcare interactions, specifically the pathway to diagnosis. Her goal is the center underrepresented women and their experiences in qualitative work.

Q&A

What do you like to do in your free-time?

I enjoy reading, binge-watching TV shows, and enjoying what Seattle has to offer with activities and food.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in academic medicine at UW?

I chose to work in academic medicine to provide a voice for those in the healthcare system.

What is one professional or academic accomplishment of which you are most proud and why?

One accomplishment that I am most proud of is being invited to speak at a summit held by one of my community partners!

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I have received is fake it till you make it. I still undergo imposter syndrome, but there is a reason why you were chosen and why you are in specific spaces.

What is one thing that brings you joy, either inside or outside of work?

One thing that brings me joy is good food.

What inspires you?

My parents. Without them and their push education, I wouldn't have made it this far.

When do you feel the most impactful?

I feel most impactful when I hear a participant thanking me at the end of the interview for the research I'm doing or for listening to them.

Education & Training

BS, Physiology: San Francisco State University

MS, Cell & Molecular Biology: San Francisco State University

PhD, Biomedical Science - Clinical and Translational Science: Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Science

Postodoctoral Fellowship - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology: University of Washington

Additional Information

Research Interests:

Menstruation, community-engaged research, health inequities, qualitative research, minoritized women, underrepresented women

Honors:

ITHS KL2 Scholar

Professional Organizations:

Association for Clinical and Translational Science

American Public Health Association

International Gynecologic Society