For Dr. Jannette Villalobos, the dream of becoming a doctor began in the fourth grade. At first, she was inspired by her beloved teacher, Mrs. Vallejo, and imagined a future as an educator. But growing up in the Ramona Gardens Projects, just steps from the Keck School of Medicine of USC, she dared to dream big. “I thought, what if I was a doctor? I could still teach, but reach even more people.”

With determination and the support of her mother, Dr. Villalobos pursued her goal relentlessly. She attended UC Riverside for her undergraduate studies and focused her medical school applications on Southern California due to financial constraints. When she received her acceptance letter from USC, a handwritten note from Dr. Erin Quinn at the bottom read, “Welcome home.” 

“And that’s what it became,” said Dr. Villalobos. “Home.”

Today, Dr. Villalobos practices family medicine, where she continues to fulfill her childhood dream of teaching, this time through her patients. “I see entire families: mothers, daughters, husbands, wives. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built and the impact I’ve made. Patients bring me fruit from their trees just to say thank you. That means the world.”

Her USC education laid the foundation for her success. “It was harder than I imagined, but so rewarding. I was a first-generation doctor, and I didn’t know what I was doing. But I had classmates, mentors, and people like Dean Althea Alexander who gave me the tools and support I needed.”

Having relied on scholarships herself, Dr. Villalobos is passionate about supporting future medical students. “I grew up poor with a single mother who had to apply for welfare, so more than half my tuition was covered by scholarships. That made it possible for me to graduate without overwhelming debt, buy a home, and live a life where I can give back. I support scholarships because I know firsthand how life-changing they are.”

Her advice to prospective students? “It’s going to be hard, but you’re not alone. Build those connections, find your people, and lean on them. Look to other individuals. You’re all in the same boat.”

As you celebrate your Keck School of Medicine Reunion Weekend, please join Dr. Villalobos in coming back and giving back.