SAN DIEGO, CA (October 13, 2025) — The Laura Rodriguez Medical Assistant Institute (LRMAI) celebrated 37 graduates who completed its medical assistant program and earned certificates, marking a major milestone in their health care careers.
The class included three students graduating with honors and five who passed the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) exam. This marks LRMAI’s sixth graduating class, adding to 118 alumni now serving at Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) and other health care organizations across the region.
The ceremony opened with remarks from Pauline Lucatero, LRMAI’s chief administrative officer, who welcomed families, faculty, graduates and community partners.
Dr. Byron Scott, president and chief operating officer of Direct Relief, delivered a congratulatory message. “Health care today is facing many challenges that impact access for patients in our communities,” Scott said. “While it may be easy to complain and give up, we must look at these challenges as opportunities to think differently, work together to find solutions and bring our community together. The fact that you are here today as graduates shows you care about your community and are investing in yourself to make it better. Keep dreaming. Continue to support your community. Continue your education and training to better serve your community — but most of all, continue to believe in yourself.”
Two graduates, chosen by their peers, shared reflections on their experience in the program. Anthony Vazquez thanked classmates and instructors for their support during difficult times. “Please continue to spread your kindness to the world and grow into the successful medical assistants I know you will all become,” Vazquez said.
Quincy Brown, one of the student speakers, shared a perspective on the impact of medical assistants. “If I assist 12 to 15 patients a day, five days a week for 50 weeks, that’s about 3,000 to 3,700 patients a year,” Brown said.
Rachel Bereza, president and CEO of San Diego Workforce Partnership, delivered the commencement address. “You will be the first face many patients see,” Bereza said. “You’ll offer comfort, reassurance and connection — moments that matter — and that’s what makes your accomplishment powerful. You represent the bridge between opportunity and impact. Many of you came to this program seeking a better future … and now you’re part of a movement that strengthens the fabric of our community.
Michelle Guzman, student services manager, presented certificates and recognized honors graduates Myotte Honore, Raquel Morales Lomeli and Eyob Zemariam for maintaining a GPA of 3.98 or higher and at least 98% attendance.
Lucatero closed the ceremony by thanking FHCSD leadership, LRMAI staff, graduates and their families.
For more information or to apply for a future cohort, visit www.LRMAI.org.
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About LRMAI
The Laura Rodriguez Medical Assistant Institute was created to meet several mutual needs of the organization and the community:
- To introduce qualified MAs into the workforce to fill vacancies and help ensure there are adequate staff in ambulatory care services to meet the health care needs of our community
- To offer career opportunities for all community members, including low-income population
- To recruit a workforce that is reflective of the community of patients that it serves
About Family Health Centers of San Diego
Since 1970, FHCSD’s mission has been to provide caring, affordable, high-quality health care and supportive services to everyone, with a special commitment to uninsured, low-income and medically underserved persons. FHCSD is one of the top 10 largest federally qualified health centers in the country, operating more than 90 sites across San Diego County and providing care to more than 227,000 patients each year, of whom 91% are low-income and 29% are uninsured.
