What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?
In college, I initially studied engineering, and while I enjoyed the science and critical thinking, I felt like something was missing. When I discovered books by Dr. Oliver Sacks and Dr. Atul Gawande, I realized what that something was. I craved the human connection these physicians wrote about establishing with their patients. I felt deeply motivated to emulate their character and compassion in my own patient encounters.
By seeking out opportunities like the DeBakey Summer Surgery Program and volunteering for Camp Kesem, I learned more about becoming a doctor and what it meant to dedicate myself to a life of service.
Why did you choose McGovern Medical School?
There are countless reasons why I chose McGovern but I’ll focus on just a few! First, my hometown is less than an hour north of Houston, which means having the flexibility to see family and friends over the weekend or in case of an emergency.
Growing up near Houston, I was also familiar with the abundance of quality opportunities accessible to students training in the TMC. For instance, my interest in oncology and cancer research made McGovern’s proximity and collaboration with MD Anderson extremely attractive.
Shadowing at a safety-net hospital in Houston also opened my eyes to Texas’s medically underserved Hispanic population and the scarcity of Spanish-speaking providers. Fortunately, McGovern provides resources to build upon my medical Spanish while striving to meet my community’s needs.
What motivates you?
Contributing to something bigger than myself gives me a deep sense of purpose, and practicing medicine is the ideal way for me to fulfill that calling. Some of my most inspiring memories come from volunteering for Camp Kesem and witnessing the courage and vulnerability of campers dealing with a parent’s cancer journey. Their strength is something that has left a lasting impression on me. I have seen a similar resilience in patients facing serious illnesses, which has only fueled my desire to become the best physician I can be.
Who is your hero?
My family means everything to me, so I would have to say my mom, dad, and brother are my heroes. There is a special kind of love between us that is both unconditional and spontaneous. During a tough semester at college, my brother would invite me to football or basketball games with his friends while my parents would surprise me with home-cooked meals. Ultimately, my family makes me feel less alone when I really need it.
What is your ultimate goal for your career in medicine?
My ultimate goal for my career in medicine is to be a physician-scientist that leaves behind a legacy of compassionate and effective care. Ideally, this would look like an academic position where I can use my bilingualism to reach underserved Hispanic communities while meaningfully contributing to research that improves patient outcomes. Practicing at an academic center would also allow me to pay forward the guidance that I received to new trainees.
What kind of emotions do you feel as you’re beginning medical school?
Gratitude, eagerness and nervous anticipation — just to name a few! Not only is it immensely thrilling to be taking the next step in my career, I feel a deep-seated gratitude towards my family and the mentors who have helped me reach this point. Such gratitude also manifests itself as an eagerness to meet my classmates and take advantage of the amazing opportunities that McGovern and the TMC present.
Undoubtedly though, starting medical school will be difficult, and I expect to have some first day jitters. For that reason, I feel fortunate to have a strong support system and access to resources at McGovern to navigate the challenges ahead.
What are you looking forward to most about medical school?
I am especially excited to get to know my classmates and the staff! A common thread amongst the students I have spoken to is the sense of community they feel at McGovern. Through my interview day and the Welcome Weekend, I have already had the chance to meet some exceptional people. I’m looking forward to meeting more friends through classes like anatomy, where we’ll be collaborating closely as we learn about one of my favorite subjects.
If you had to pick a medical specialty right now, what would it be and why?
If I had to pick a medical specialty right now, I would choose general surgery with a fellowship in surgical oncology. During one of my undergraduate summers, I spent four weeks shadowing a surgical oncology team and experienced the spectrum of emotions inherent to medicine. This included feelings of joy as I hugged a patient declared free of cancer as well as feelings of grief during a patient’s final hours.
In retrospect, I realize what a tremendous privilege it was to be present as the surgeons guided their patients through the fear and uncertainty that cancer brings. A career in surgical oncology would also align with my desire to work with my hands and participate in cancer research.
As I enter medical school though, my goal is to stay open-minded and actively seek out what other specialties have to offer.
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