Cardiology medical assistant establishes club to empower aspiring health professionals
Medical studies graduate Mia Tarditi will serve as a medical interpreter in Argentina this summer before pursuing medical school. Courtesy photo
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.
Medical studies graduate Mia Tarditi aims to support others across a variety of contexts, from the club she established as a student, Pre-Health on Poly, to her time as a teaching assistant and into her professional life as a medical assistant at a cardiology office.
Tarditi’s dedication extends into her desire to obtain a minor in nutrition and healthy living, receiving a 4.0 GPA across her undergraduate degree program.
Her care for others runs deep, beginning at the family level with her father, a physician. After working in emergency departments and with underserved communities and seeing firsthand the impact of patients feeling unsupported throughout their care, Tarditi felt the need to get involved. Her empathy shows as she strives to advocate for and listen to others, particularly underserved communities who receive less support.
Her care also extends to the classroom level, according to College of Health Solutions Assistant Teaching Professor Rollin Medcalf.
“She is extremely gifted academically in both the basic sciences and our classes in the College of Health Solutions. She has served as a supplemental instruction leader for chemistry and has been instrumental in helping students be successful in those difficult classes,” Medcalf said. “Students flock to her teaching and review sessions.”
It’s no wonder that now Tarditi seeks to expand her skills to care for others in Argentina as a medical interpreter this summer.
Here, she shares more about her ASU journey.
Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Answer: My dad is a physician, so hospitals always felt familiar. I grew up visiting him at work, telling everyone who cared to ask that I would be a doctor someday, and listening to his cases like they were bedtime tales. However, my “aha” moment happened when my younger brother was born with serious medical complications. We were fortunate to have a care team that explained things with patience, checked in on us and made sure we felt seen. It was the first time I understood how powerful human connection can be in medicine and something I carry with me in everything I do.
Looking back now, especially after working in emergency departments and volunteering with underserved communities, I realize how rare that experience was. I have met patients who were discharged without answers, who left feeling more confused than cared for and who struggled to trust a system that never seemed built for them. That contrast pushed me to pursue medicine not only to treat, but to advocate, to listen and to create the kind of care experience every patient deserves but not every patient receives.
Q: Why did you choose ASU?
A: I chose ASU because it gave me the chance to apply classroom knowledge and grow through hands-on experiences. From leading Pre-Health on Poly to conducting research with Dr. (Allison) Poulos and working as a teaching assistant, I have been able to explore health care from multiple angles. ASU has been a place where I could challenge myself, support my community and take meaningful steps toward a future in medicine.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: At ASU, one thing that really changed my perspective was reading “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down.” Before that, I hadn’t fully realized how much culture shapes how people view illness and health care. It never occurred to me to ask a patient what they think is causing their symptoms or how they understand their condition. That book made me reflect on the importance of cultural humility in medicine. I now see how essential it is to listen first and treat with a full understanding of a patient's background. I plan to carry that with me into my future as a physician.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: Dr. Medcalf taught me the importance of investing not only in others but also in yourself. As someone who supported me from the beginning when founding Pre-Health on Poly, he showed me what it truly means to lead with intention, purpose and heart. He constantly encourages his students to pursue opportunities and, more importantly, to advocate for themselves and create those opportunities when they do not yet exist.
Through his mentorship, I learned that believing in your potential is just as important as believing in others. He taught me that you should give yourself the same patience, encouragement and grace that you so willingly offer to those around you. Watching the way he uplifts students and pushes them to grow reminded me that success often starts with believing in yourself and finding the courage to take the first step. I hope to carry that mindset with me as I move into medicine: to support and advocate for others while also continuing to grow, take initiative and shape the kind of future I envision for myself and those I serve.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Don’t be afraid to take initiative and create the opportunities you’re looking for. Whether starting a new club, seeking mentorship or volunteering in your community, the experience you build outside of class is just as valuable as what happens inside.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I plan to attend medical school and build on the foundation I’ve created at ASU. In the short term, I’ll be spending a month in Argentina through a global health program (with Child Family Health International), where I’ll be learning about medical interpretation and working alongside local physicians. I’ll be supporting patient care in underserved communities while deepening my understanding of cross-cultural medicine and health care delivery abroad.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I would invest it in strengthening primary care access in underserved communities. That means funding clinics, training interdisciplinary care teams and creating sustainable programs that focus on preventive care. It’s one of the most direct ways to improve health equity and long-term outcomes.
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