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Name: 
Christian Luna

Program/Year: 
College of Dental Medicine-Illinois (CDMI), Class of 2029

Hometown:
Chicago Heights, IL

Undergraduate degree: 
University of Illinois Chicago, B.S. in Biology (Summa Cum Laude)

What inspired you to pursue a healthcare career?
What inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare was the desire to help and make a difference in people’s lives, not just through treatment but also through trust and compassion. 

Growing up, I saw how healthcare could either empower or intimidate people, especially in Latino communities where access and education were limited. That really shaped the way I view patient care: more as a human experience and not just clinical. Dentistry drew me in because it is a mixture of science, artistry, and patient connection. I love the idea of working with my hands to restore someone’s confidence or relieve their pain in a tangible way. But what has truly inspired me is seeing how something as simple as a genuine conversation or taking the time to listen can completely change a patient’s experience. More than anything, I chose healthcare because it allows me to serve others while continuing to grow and learn every day.

How did your background and history factor into your career choice?
My background played a huge role in shaping my decision to pursue a career in dentistry. As a first-generation student, I’ve learned to navigate complex systems on my own, which has taught me persistence and empathy: qualities I now bring into patient care.

My own experiences have made me passionate about helping others, especially those in the underserved Latino community, who may feel intimidated or overlooked in healthcare settings. Dentistry allows me to combine my love of science and hands-on problem-solving with my desire to build trust and confidence in patients who might be anxious about their care. Above all, I feel as though my background didn’t just influence my career choice but also gave it meaning. It’s one of the reasons I see dentistry as more than a job; it’s a way to bridge gaps and pay forward the support I’ve been fortunate to receive.

Why did you decide to attend ��ɫ��Ƶ?
I decided to attend ��ɫ��Ƶ because from the moment I stepped on campus for my interview, I could feel a genuine sense of community. I still remember trying to find the building where the interviews were being held and asking a student, who happened to be a D1 (first-year dental student), for directions. Instead of just pointing me the way, she walked me over herself. On our way, she told me how supported she felt here, mentioning how her SUCCEED Coach had personally reached out after a tough exam to make sure she was doing okay. She spoke so highly of the environment and how happy she was to be part of it. When she dropped me off at Dobbelaere Hall, she wished me luck: such a small act left a lasting impression on me. 

That same positive energy continued throughout the day. Every student I met seemed genuinely happy to be there, and the faculty who interviewed me were kind, engaging, and welcoming. It didn’t feel like a test; it felt like a real conversation where they wanted to know who I was beyond my application. Along with Midwestern’s strong academic reputation, state-of-the-art technology, and emphasis on hands-on learning, it was that human connection that cemented my decision. I knew this was a place where I would be challenged academically but also supported personally, a community that truly feels like home.

What about a ��ɫ��Ƶ education do you want to carry forward in your career?
What I want to carry forward from my ��ɫ��Ƶ education is the sense of compassion, collaboration, and integrity that’s built into everything we do here. Midwestern emphasizes not only clinical excellence, but also the human side of dentistry, like treating patients with empathy, listening to their concerns, and helping them feel comfortable even in stressful situations. That approach, along with my own life experiences, has shaped the kind of provider I want to become.

I also want to take with me the sense of teamwork that defines Midwestern. From day one, we’re encouraged to learn together, help each other succeed, and celebrate one another’s progress. That mindset is something I hope to bring into my own practice. I want to create an environment where my team and patients all feel valued and supported. I especially want to carry forward the attitude that learning never stops. Midwestern fosters curiosity and humility, reminding us that dentistry is always evolving and that the best clinicians are lifelong learners.