Meet the students from the College of Public Health and Health Professions, a diverse group dedicated to improving health and well-being in communities around the world. These students come from various backgrounds, united by their passion for health and their commitment to making a positive impact. They bring unique perspectives and experiences to their studies, preparing to become the next generation of health professionals who will address pressing health challenges and advance their field.
Meet: Alejandro Ramirez
Program: Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida/MedellÃn, Colombia
Educational background: Bachelor of Science — Psychology
Why did you decide to join your program?
Growing up with immigrant parents who had limited English proficiency, I learned early on how important communication access is in every person’s life. I became aware of the fact that communication is the gateway to social participation, and it developed my passion in helping people who have communication difficulties so that they may be better participants in their lives. While I was taking my courses for the CSD minor here at UF, I learned about the field of speech-language pathology and how it checks off all the boxes in a career that I desired. I decided to continue at UF for my master’s in CSD because of the fantastic professors that I had during my CSD minor as well as the opportunities that we have to be assigned to clinical placements across Gainesville and the surrounding areas.
What have been some of your favorite moments in your program?
I’ve really enjoyed my clinical placements! It’s been a great experience being able to finally take the content we’ve learned in the classroom and putting it to practice with real patients. It’s also been great to start learning about myself and my personal interests within the field as I get experience in multiple different settings and learn which ones interest me the most. So far, I’ve enjoyed my outpatient adult rehabilitation placement the most because I get to work with patients with neurodegenerative disorders and brain injuries.
Another one of my favorite moments has been the exposure and opportunities for research that I’ve had. This past spring, I was able to present a research project at PHHP Days with some of my cohort members relating to case studies we experienced in our clinical placement. Additionally, this summer I was awarded with a trainee scholarship that allowed me to attend the 2026 Florida Brain Injury Research Symposium. I was able to learn from researchers and clinicians about what interdisciplinary care looks like for brain injury patients. I really appreciate how this program either offers or refers us to opportunities outside of the classroom/clinic to expand our understanding of the work that we will do as SLPs. It also gives us exposure to different parts of the field that we wouldn’t otherwise receive in a traditional classroom setting!
What do you plan to do with your degree?
After graduation, I plan on completing my clinical fellowship in South Florida where I will hopefully work with the Spanish-speaking adult population either in an outpatient or acute care setting (still figuring that part out!). I hope to become a bilingual medical SLP so I can provide services in either of my languages.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to stay active! I spend a lot of my time going to the gym and going on long walks. I’ve recently tried getting back into reading and I’ve really enjoyed some mystery/thriller books. I’m also a huge fan of horror movies and if you have one in mind, I’ve probably already seen it!
What would you like to share with others who may be considering the same program?
One huge benefit of this program is the small cohort size. I feel that it allows us to connect more closely with our professors and create connections that will help us discern what our futures look like. I’d recommend anyone interested in this program to just apply! You can also reach out to the students or faculty in the program if you have more specific questions about what the structure of the program looks like.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Shameless plug: Check out our GNSSLHA account on Instagram at @gnsslha_uf! You can learn a lot about our program through our account as well as see all the great work our e-board is doing through advocacy, socials and more.
Want to learn more?
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders program.
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