What inspired you to want to pursue a career in medicine?
I feel like I grew up interested in science and biology, and as I got older I realized that I would enjoy a career in which I could study and explore the sciences in an environment that is social and personable in nature. The design and process of the human body is, in my opinion, undoubtedly the most fascinating and interesting work to devote study and practice to, and as such, I floated toward the world of medicine.
After pursuing many experiences in clinic, hospital, and research settings, I decided that the track of a physician was most appealing and suited to my personality and life goals. The process of learning and using new experiences to improve knowledge and skill is generally something that excites me, and I know the trek of medical school is full of it. At this point, I couldn’t begin to tell you another path or industry that is nearly as intriguing or suitable for me.
Why did you choose McGovern Medical School?
McGovern checked all of the boxes I had in choosing a home for my education, including a plethora of career and professional opportunities, long history and solid reputation, and faculty that take pride in providing invaluable support in making the institution feel like a large family. In my short time with our incoming class so far, I have felt welcomed and prepared to start school with such a diverse group of impressive students that have similar aspirations through such unique backgrounds. The culture of the school and its student body is very attractive and difficult to beat. In addition, the Texas Medical Center presents a unique chance to see and participate in the widest variety of new research and innovation regarding medicine and healthcare.
What motivates you?
My motivation is drawn from a number of factors, perhaps the most important being the chance to be a part of something that is full of meaning and improves the lives of people. I also reflect on the massive support I have been blessed to feel so far, including that of family, friends, teachers, professors, and colleagues. I know that for every doubt or failure I may encounter there is an equal but opposite word of encouragement from one I care about, and that makes all of the difference. I feel especially grateful to the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) for its role in my education and development into an eventually successful medical student!
Who is your hero?
Although seemingly unrelated to medicine by any means, my hero takes the form of former MLB third baseman Adrián Beltré. He came to the United States from his home Dominican Republic at just 15 years old to pursue professional baseball, and over the course of his Hall of Fame career built a reputation amongst players, and fans like myself, as a fun-loving and free spirited player, husband, and father. He was a must-see player throughout his time in the big leagues, and as a young sports fan, I grew to look up to him as an idol. Up until his retirement in 2018, I was his biggest fan and admired the way he would make every day, in a game as seemingly mundane as baseball, look like he was a child having the time of his life. I aspire to bring that sort of enthusiasm and passion to my work, day in and day out, albeit much different than any sport.
What is your ultimate goal for your career in medicine?
My biggest goal would be to have a point of influence not only with my direct work with patients in a clinic or hospital setting, but provide mentorship and a voice of encouragement to aspiring physicians. I know it can be daunting to even think about pursuing a career in medicine if it feels like you are isolated or have to reinvent the wheel. You may be the first in your family, come from an underrepresented background, or have grown up in rural East Texas, but there is no limit to the path you take aside from the limit you create for yourself. Along those lines, I am passionate about being an advocate for people like me to get a chance to pursue something so rewarding despite long-standing obstacles and barriers. To be a bright spot in someone else’s path, patients and colleagues, would mean the most to me.
What kind of emotions do you feel as you’re ready to begin medical school?
I am eager and excited to get started. The difficulty and trial of medical education rightfully gets its attention, but I view it in more of a lens of opportunity than obligation. I am happy that every success and failure will present its own contribution to my education and life experience.
What are you looking forward to most about medical school?
I look forward to the relationships I get to make with my classmates and the abundance of interesting and useful things that I will get to learn. McGovern presents such an awesome opportunity to foster learning with other students, and I feel very fortunate for the chance to study here. I am also looking forward to seeing what area of medicine feels like home and gives me some clarity as to what specialty fits me best.
If you had to pick a medical specialty right now, what would it be and why?
I am admittedly undecided on a specialty at this point, so my mind is very much open. I have a bunch of ideas as to what things I may like to study, but the list goes on so far that it doesn’t give me much direction on that front. That said, McGovern and the Texas Medical Center is certainly the place for me to find out. I am confident that if I don’t find it here, I won’t find it anywhere!
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