As a mother and primary caregiver to her daughter, Elah, Rivka balances the demands of parenthood with the rigors of medical training. She views this role as central to her identity, teaching her daily about patience, responsibility, and the power of presence.

Rivka Manzura is currently pursuing an MD at the University of Michigan Medical School where her studies are fueled by a lifelong commitment to resilience, healing, and holistic care. Her journey into medicine has been shaped by profound personal challenges — from growing up in a large family facing housing and food insecurity, to surviving a devastating car accident at age 19 that nearly cost her a limb. These experiences, alongside her own struggles with mental health, ignited her passion for understanding how best to heal others in ways that are both compassionate and transformative.

Rivka’s academic and professional path reflects both perseverance and excellence. She received the Excellence in Neuroscience Research Award from UC Berkeley, earned first place at the Michigan Psychiatric Society Spring Meeting poster session, and previously founded a harm reduction and naloxone distribution program while at UC Berkeley. Additionally, she is a certified yoga teacher who integrates her wellness practice into her vision of care, bridging the worlds of science and holistic healing.

As a mother and primary caregiver to her daughter, Elah, Rivka balances the demands of parenthood with the rigors of medical training. She views this role as central to her identity, teaching her daily about patience, responsibility, and the power of presence.

Looking ahead, Rivka aspires to combine clinical practice with psychiatric research to address mental health more holistically and equitably. She is particularly interested in exploring the biological underpinnings of psychiatric conditions, potential biomarkers for diagnosis, and more personalized treatment approaches that integrate both pharmacology and lifestyle. For Rivka, medicine is not only a profession but a purpose — a way to turn her story of resilience into a path of healing for others.

CEW+ celebrates Rivka’s commitment to health and healing and names her a Susan Quackenbush Scholar.