In a world where antibiotic resistance threatens to unravel decades of medical progress, a third-year medical student from the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine has emerged as a beacon of hope with a groundbreaking achievement. Larissa Dixon has secured a highly competitive National Institutes of Health (NIH) Fogarty International Center Fellowship, joining an elite group of nearly 100 students worldwide for this year-long program. Her research, focused on combating antibiotic resistance through innovative sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention strategies in Peru, represents a vital step toward addressing one of the most pressing global health crises. This remarkable milestone not only highlights Dixon’s personal determination but also underscores UCF’s rising prominence in international medical research. Her journey offers a compelling narrative of resilience, collaboration, and the urgent need for cross-cultural solutions in healthcare.
Personal Journey and Achievement
Breaking Barriers at UCF
Larissa Dixon’s achievement as the first UCF student to win the NIH Fogarty International Center Fellowship marks a historic moment for the university’s College of Medicine. Despite UCF not being affiliated with an NIH-supported global health consortium, Dixon navigated substantial institutional challenges to secure this honor. Her path was far from straightforward, requiring her to independently seek out funding and build connections with mentors across the U.S. and beyond. This feat demonstrates an extraordinary level of self-advocacy and determination, setting a powerful example for other students at institutions without established research networks. Her success showcases how individual grit can overcome systemic limitations, paving the way for future opportunities at UCF.
Equally inspiring is the broader impact of Dixon’s accomplishment on the university’s reputation. By earning this prestigious fellowship, she has brought significant attention to UCF’s potential in global health research. Mentors at the College of Medicine view her triumph as a catalyst for expanding the school’s presence in international medical arenas. This milestone could encourage the university to pursue affiliations with NIH consortia, creating more pathways for students to engage in high-impact projects. Dixon’s journey reflects not just a personal victory but a transformative moment for UCF, highlighting the untapped potential within its medical program to contribute to worldwide health advancements.
Path to Global Health Research
Dixon’s passion for global health was ignited during a transformative three-week clinical experience in Lima at Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas – Escuela de Medicina. This immersion exposed her to the stark realities of healthcare disparities and the unique challenges faced in different systems, particularly around antibiotic use. It was here that she first recognized the urgent need for research into antimicrobial resistance, an issue compounded by local practices such as dispensing antibiotics without prescriptions. This experience became the foundation for her decision to pursue international health research, shaping her focus on creating sustainable solutions for infection prevention.
Before entering medical school, Dixon served as a middle school science teacher, a role that honed her skills in communication and problem-solving. This background equipped her with a unique perspective on education and advocacy, which she now applies to her medical career. Transitioning from teaching to medicine, she carried forward a deep commitment to making complex health issues accessible and actionable for diverse populations. Her early career as an educator informed her approach to research, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and knowledge-sharing in addressing global health threats. Dixon’s evolution into a medical student with a focus on international impact is a testament to how varied experiences can converge to fuel innovation.
Research Focus and Global Impact
Tackling Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance stands as a critical global health threat, with bacteria increasingly adapting to render treatments ineffective, potentially returning humanity to an era where minor infections could prove fatal. Larissa Dixon’s research directly confronts this crisis by examining the use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP), a promising strategy for preventing STIs. Conducted at Asociación Civil Impacta Salud y Educación (IMPACTA) in Peru, her project seeks to balance the benefits of this preventive measure with the risk of exacerbating resistance. Through meticulous surveys of healthcare providers and patients, Dixon aims to uncover how DoxyPEP is implemented in clinical settings, identifying gaps that could undermine its effectiveness or contribute to broader antimicrobial challenges.
The methodology behind Dixon’s study is both innovative and practical, focusing on real-world application in a region with unique healthcare dynamics. By engaging directly with those on the front lines—doctors, nurses, and patients—she gathers critical data on prescribing habits and adherence to treatment protocols. This approach allows her to assess whether DoxyPEP is being used safely and sustainably, or if misuse could accelerate resistance. Her findings are expected to contribute to evidence-based guidelines that prioritize both immediate STI prevention and long-term antibiotic stewardship. This research not only addresses a pressing issue but also sets a standard for how localized studies can inform global health strategies, demonstrating the power of targeted, data-driven inquiry.
Cross-Cultural Health Solutions
One of the most compelling aspects of Dixon’s work is its examination of differing healthcare practices between Peru and the U.S., particularly around antibiotic distribution. In Peru, despite legal requirements for prescriptions, antibiotics are frequently dispensed over the counter, a practice that fuels resistance on a significant scale. Dixon’s research at IMPACTA delves into how these lax regulations impact the implementation of treatments like DoxyPEP, offering a window into systemic challenges that are less prevalent in the U.S. context. This comparative lens highlights the necessity of tailoring health interventions to specific cultural and regulatory environments, ensuring that solutions are both effective and adaptable across borders.
The potential for Dixon’s findings to influence health policies in both regions underscores the interconnected nature of global health challenges. In Peru, her work could drive reforms in antibiotic stewardship, encouraging stricter adherence to prescription guidelines and better education for providers and patients. Meanwhile, in the U.S., where overuse of antibiotics remains a concern, her insights might refine protocols for STI prevention, ensuring that strategies like DoxyPEP are deployed without unintended consequences. This cross-cultural approach reveals how lessons learned in one setting can resonate globally, fostering a more unified effort to combat resistance. Dixon’s project exemplifies the importance of international collaboration in crafting policies that address shared threats while respecting local nuances.
Support and Future Aspirations
The Role of Mentorship
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Larissa Dixon’s journey, providing the guidance and support necessary to navigate the complexities of global health research. Key figures such as Elena Cyrus at UCF, Jenell Stewart at the University of Minnesota, and Javier Lama and Alexander Lankowski in Peru have played instrumental roles in shaping her path. Their expertise and encouragement helped Dixon refine her research proposal and secure the Fogarty Fellowship, demonstrating the value of experienced voices in fostering early-career talent. This collaborative network spans continents, illustrating how international partnerships can amplify the impact of individual efforts in addressing widespread health issues.
Beyond technical guidance, these mentors have offered Dixon a framework for resilience and adaptability in a competitive field. Their diverse perspectives—from academic research to on-the-ground clinical work in Peru—have enriched her understanding of how to bridge theoretical innovation with practical application. This support system not only bolstered her confidence to tackle ambitious projects but also connected her with resources and opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach. The emphasis on mentorship in Dixon’s story highlights a broader truth: cultivating the next generation of health researchers requires a commitment to nurturing talent through sustained, meaningful relationships across institutional and geographical boundaries.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Dixon aspires to become an infectious disease physician with a specialized focus on HIV and STI research, blending clinical practice with global health advocacy. Her long-term vision involves developing interventions that prevent infections while curbing the rise of resistance, a goal deeply aligned with her current work in Peru. The Fogarty Fellowship serves as a pivotal stepping stone, equipping her with both the technical skills and the global perspective needed to address these multifaceted challenges. By immersing her in a network of leading scientists worldwide, the program positions her to make lasting contributions to the field through innovative research and policy influence.
The skills and connections gained through this fellowship are set to enhance Dixon’s training at UCF, preparing her for a leadership role in infectious disease management. Access to an elite community of researchers offers opportunities for future collaborations that could shape health initiatives on a global scale. Her ambition to integrate clinical care with research reflects a commitment to holistic solutions, ensuring that advancements in the lab translate to tangible benefits for patients. Dixon’s forward-looking goals, supported by the robust foundation of the Fogarty program, signal a promising trajectory for impactful change in how the world confronts pressing health threats like antibiotic resistance.