What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?
There have been many moments throughout my life that have influenced my decision to pursue this career path, however the biggest inspiration for me was my mom’s cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment. When I was in high school my mom was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, which subjected her to months of chemotherapy and multiple surgeries.
Throughout this journey my family endured, we became very familiar with my mom’s care team and learned what it was like caring for such a sick person at home. Fortunately, my mom has been in remission for over a decade now, and she got to see me become the first person in our immediate family to obtain a Bachelor’s degree! I then ended up pursuing a Master of Science degree in Molecular Pathology, where I was able to learn about the advances that the medical field has been experiencing, particularly in the area of precision/personalized medicine.
I want to participate in research and provide much needed care to future patients using cutting edge precision medicine, and medical school will be the pathway that allows me to do this.
Why did you choose McGovern Medical School?
I chose to attend McGovern due to the resources, connections and location! Being in the Texas Medical Center allows us to experience the full range of educational opportunities for every single interest one could have, which is very unique. I have also been working in the Texas Medical Center since 2022, and I am excited to not only form new connections throughout the Center, but also retain and build upon the connections I have already made here.
Finally, living in Houston for the past three years I have become very accustomed to the energy of the city, and I have family here as well. Houston has truly started to feel like home to me, and I am so excited to be staying here for my education.
What motivates you?
My main motivation comes from my family. Being a first-generation college graduate has pushed me to continue my education because I can see how proud my family is of me. I know that as long as they are supporting me, I can do anything!
Who is your hero?
My hero is my mom! She has been through so much and has done everything in her power to make sure I had this opportunity to pursue my dreams. She also is currently going back to school to become the second person in our family to get their bachelor’s degree, and I can’t wait for that day to come to celebrate her!
What is your ultimate goal for your career in medicine?
My ultimate goal is to give back to rural communities in Texas like the one I was raised in. Being from a smaller Texas town allows me to relate to others still living in these areas, and I am hoping to use my education and training to take back with me and provide for my neighbors. Being someone that my future patients can rely on and providing lifelong care for them is the dream.
What kind of emotions do you feel as you’re beginning medical school?
Up until now, I was feeling every emotion under the sun. I was nervous, happy, excited, all of it! But now that I have completed the pre-entry program that McGovern Medical School offers, and I have gotten to see firsthand what it truly is like being a medical student here, I could not be more excited. We as students are provided with so much support and so many resources, which I truly appreciate. I can’t wait to meet the rest of my classmates and begin learning together!
What are you looking forward to most about medical school?
The thing I am looking forward to most about medical school is learning alongside my colleagues! We are so lucky to attend a school that places such a big emphasis on the importance of team learning and building relationships with each other. The people we meet here and the education we will receive will no doubt provide each and every one of us an amazing foundation to the beginning of our medical careers.
If you had to pick a medical specialty right now, what would it be and why?
I have so many interests that I am excited about exploring, I honestly have no idea which specialty I will end up choosing. However if I had to pick now, I would choose family medicine. I love the idea of being someone that can help everyone in my community, and maintain the relationships with them throughout their lives. There is such a wide range of knowledge needed to be in primary care, especially in rural areas which is where I am interested in practicing in the future as well, and I am prepared to bring this knowledge with me to provide care and support for everyone in my community.
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