Navigating Interdisciplinary Perspectives: A History Major’s Quest to Improve the Future of the U.S. Health Care System

The USD College of Arts and Sciences released its second annual Arts & Sciences magazine this fall. In the pages of this magazine, you will discover exciting new programs and initiatives, meaningful and impactful stories, and inspiring student, faculty and alumni spotlights.

Navigating Interdisciplinary Perspectives
A History Major's Quest to Improve the Future of the U.S. Health Care System 

by Lily Anderson

When Omsu Nguyen stepped onto the University of San Diego campus, she planned to major in history as a pathway to law school. During her first year at USD, she was captivated by the unique and diverse perspectives stemming from various Core Curriculum courses.

“Not only do you unlearn a lot of biases you have about history, but I feel like each professor gives you a different lens on how to view things,” says Nguyen.

Empowered by USD’s encouragement to cultivate a unique academic path, Nguyen has found the perfect combination of disciplines to expand her understanding of the world. A biomedical ethics course, in particular, opened her eyes to problematic aspects of the healthcare system in the United States.

“It shows a pattern of how certain minorities are treated and how certain outsiders are treated based on the people in power,” says Nguyen.

Now in her third year, she is majoring in history and minoring in both biomedical ethics and Africana studies, which complements her belief that one needs to understand Africana history in order to understand American history.

Read the full article on page 39 of Arts & Sciences magazine (Fall 2024 issue).