Commencement

Zaira Chavez Jimenez, MD, is a resident physician in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Southern California, providing care at Los Angeles General Medical Center. The daughter of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Chavez began her academic career here at UCLA, where she earned a degree in Human Biology and Society and graduated with honors.

She completed her medical education at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, where she received the Order of Arete, USC’s highest honor for graduate students in recognition of her academic distinction, leadership, and meaningful contributions to the community.

Dr. Chavez practices at one of the nation’s largest safety-net hospitals, where she is committed to delivering equitable, patient-centered care. Her research interests include placenta accreta spectrum and pregnancy outcomes after fertility-sparing management in endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia. She intends to pursue a fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine to further specialize in high-risk pregnancies and reduce disparities in maternal and fetal outcomes.

Beyond her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Chavez is actively involved in mentorship and academic outreach. She continues to support Hermanas Unidas de UCLA, mentors medical students at USC, and helps lead physician and resident recruitment at her institution. Her professional mission is driven by a passion for health equity, advocating for reproductive justice, and supporting the academic and professional development of first-generation students pursuing careers in medicine.