Why did you choose to pursue a career in medicine?
The original inspiration to pursue a career in medicine came after I received a double jaw surgery to correct a Class III malocclusion and crossbite when I was 16 years old. I remember watching many videos on YouTube of the procedure, being amazed by the amount of skill and effort required to perform this life-changing operation, and wanting to be able to emulate that ability to improve the health of others — though likely in a different specialty.
I took a detour on my medical school journey and majored in mechanical engineering, because I knew that engineering was a shorter route and had my brother as a role model in the field. However, after working in many different internships and roles as an engineer, I realized I was denying myself the career I truly wanted to pursue.
Thankfully, as this was just a detour, I knew I could apply the principles I learned in engineering to a career in medicine, so now I am back on the road to becoming a physician.
Why McGovern Medical School?
I chose to attend McGovern Medical School due to the extensive resources provided by the Texas Medical Center, the plethora of opportunities to learn from world-class-physicians and faculty, and the diversity of both the student body and patient population in Houston.
I distinctly remember a genuine sense of camaraderie from both the faculty and students during my interview day and knew that McGovern was the school I needed to be at.
What does it mean to receive the McGovern Scholar Award?
Receiving the McGovern Scholar Award means the world to me. Prior to entering medical school, I was a Gates Millennium Scholar, which essentially fully funds my education in any STEM-related field up to a PhD, with a major exception for professional school — like medical school.
I chose to effectively leave the funding from Gates on the table when choosing to pursue the dream of medicine. So when I learned that I had received the McGovern Scholar Award, I felt a wave of reassurance rush over me. I knew at that moment that I had chosen the right path.
I am extraordinarily grateful to have the opportunity to dedicate my time to learning, finding my place within medicine, and becoming the best physician I can be without the financial stress always looming over me.
What motivates you?
Representing the Latine community, LGBTQ+ community, and people who come from low socio-economic backgrounds motivates me and pushes me to put forth my best effort in medical school. My unique intersectionality has helped form my motivations within medicine, and I believe it’s important to better represent the world we live in and the communities we serve.
Who is your hero?
Without a second thought, my mother is my hero. My mother left behind her entire life, family, culture, and language in Mexico to move to the U.S. to give my brothers and me what she believed was the greatest opportunity for success. Despite all sorts of resistance and headwinds in her life, such as economic insecurity, language and cultural barriers, she continued supporting us.
I attribute an enormous part of the resilience and grit I learned throughout the years struggling with my own insecurities, identity, and career aspirations to her. Without her example, dedication, and unconditional support, I would not have made it as far as I have in this journey, so I am forever grateful.
What is your ultimate goal for a career in medicine?
My ultimate goal for my career in medicine is to serve vulnerable and underrepresented populations just like the healthcare professionals who have served my family and me.
Just like I was motivated by better representing the communities we serve, I also want to devote myself to not only providing the best care to my patients but ensuring anyone can be my patient. Although I am not 100% sure which specialty I would like to pursue yet, I am excited to soak all of medical school in, knowing that if I remain open-minded, where I belong within the medical field will become clear to me in time.
What emotions are you feeling beginning medical school?
I feel a lot of excitement and nervousness. It feels like I am entering a new chapter in my life. However, being nervous and outside of my comfort zone is a great opportunity to grow from, and I love any opportunity to meet new people and learn about their experiences and their reasons for pursuing medicine!
What are you looking forward to most about medical school?
I am most looking forward to completely immersing myself at McGovern by learning all I can about human anatomy and physiology, the opportunity to shadow, and learning about all the specialties I never had exposure to.
During my undergrad, it was a tough balancing act having my time split between two completely different sets of coursework while doing internships and volunteering, so I am excited to finally get to focus all my time into one endeavor: excelling at medical school.
What specialty would you choose if you had to pick now?
It would probably be pediatrics. I have a niece and nephew, Ela and Leo, who I absolutely adore. I could see myself being an advocate for kids due to the direct link this field has to public health.
The challenges with knowing the different medical needs and pathophysiologic process amongst different age groups really interests me, and I like knowing that if their conditions can be treated, they generally get better.
Read the rest of the stories from the Newest Faces of McGovern Medical School.