By Karen Villarreal

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – NOV. 19, 2025 – Is leadership a personality trait or a skill found through practice?

For Oscar Cazares, now a UTRGV Master of Science in Criminal Justice student, leadership emerged through years of service and advocacy with the American Medical Student Association (AMSA). In April, AMSA recognized his continual efforts by naming him the 2025 recipient of the James Slayton National Award for Leadership Excellence.

“The diverse leadership positions available in AMSA allowed me to hone my work ethic and professional skills,” Cazares said. “But it was the expansiveness of my volunteering experiences with the student organization that turned advocacy and activism into a calling.”

Trevor Lyford, the 2024-25 AMSA national vice president of leadership and development, presented the award to Cazares at AMSA’s 75th Annual Convention in Washington, D.C. Lyford highlighted Cazares’s exceptional leadership in key roles at both the chapter and national levels.

“Whether coordinating programs, mentoring fellow members or offering constructive feedback, Cazares continually exhibits professionalism and dedication to AMSA,” Lyford said.

Cazares began his academic career as a STEM-focused freshman planning to pursue a medical career. While exploring student involvement opportunities at UTRGV, he joined AMSA and found direction and community. Along the way, he completed multiple degrees from the university, including a dual Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology with a Medical Humanities minor, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Social Justice minor and a Certificate in Gender and Women’s Studies.

Cazares served in leadership positions with AMSA throughout his undergraduate degrees, including a dual B.S. in Biology and Psychology with a Medical Humanities minor; a B.A. in Political Science with a Social Justice minor; and a Certificate in Gender and Women’s Studies. Now a master’s student, he’s leading national policy work for AMSA. (Courtesy photo)

“I remember thinking about joining student clubs to be a stronger candidate for graduate school,” Cazares said. “But college is more than networking. You can join student groups to grow lifelong friendships and build a community where you can be yourself while working toward a common goal.”

That sense of purpose carried into his graduate studies. As AMSA National Health Policy chair, Cazares works on initiatives that expands AMSA’s national impact on environmental health awareness.

“My role has evolved more into mentoring my fellow AMSA members,” he said. “I’m especially proud of that contribution.”

Cazares also volunteers as a course director for the AMSA Scholars Programs, helping students navigate topics often considered part of the “hidden curriculum” in medical school. His teaching has involved health justice, equity and the intersections of gender and sexuality in healthcare.

“Directing and facilitating these courses are very rewarding, but require time, commitment and diligence,” he said.

Cazares wears another hat with AMSA – as the Migrant Equity and Support intern on their Digital Rural Health Project, he works on initiatives that train premedical and medical students to help rural residents navigate digital health tools.

As he continues his master's studies at UTRGV and leads national policy work for AMSA, Cazares remains motivated by the same principle that guided him as an undergraduate: using advocacy to uplift others.

“I’ve been able to support premedical and medical students across the country,” he said. “Seeing them grow into compassionate advocates is what inspires me most.”