What inspired you to want to pursue a career in medicine?
One of my most formative experiences in college was my public health internship sophomore year in Central Falls, Rhode Island. While I was there, I worked with a team of doctors who were committed to improving health outcomes for their residents, and it was the first time I had witnessed the dual-pronged approach of clinical care and community advocacy.
One physician, in particular, identified as a “social justice–physician,” blending public health advocacy seamlessly into his medical practice. His ability to address health challenges both within the clinic and in the broader community deeply resonated with me. He utilized every tool at his disposal—education, research, and policy—to transform his patients’ lives and their environment.
Witnessing this made me realize I wanted to do the exact same thing.
Why did you choose McGovern Medical School?
I always knew I wanted to stay in Texas for medical school after spending four years out of state during undergrad. Being originally from Dallas, the chance to explore a new city added an extra layer of excitement. I was drawn to the idea of living in Houston mainly because of the Texas Medical Center, which would open up a wealth of opportunities for me. Choosing McGovern meant I’d be able to strike the perfect balance between academic rigor and personal fulfillment. I wanted an environment that would challenge me to learn, explore, and grow while also encouraging me to pursue my interests outside of medicine.
During conversations with current students at McGovern, a commonly highlighted aspect was the supportive and collaborative nature of the student body and faculty. Medical school is notoriously demanding, so finding an institution that not only acknowledged this but also created support systems was very appealing to me.
What motivates you?
My family has been my rock throughout my journey as a first-generation college and medical student. Navigating these unfamiliar territories has been a collective learning experience for all of us. Their unwavering support and belief in my abilities have given me the confidence to believe in myself. I’m motivated to work hard and succeed as a way to honor the sacrifices they’ve made.
Who is your hero?
My mom! Her dedication to serving her community is truly inspiring. As a teenager who immigrated to this country with very little, she refused to let adversity stand in her way of achieving success on her own terms. With an incredibly determined spirit, she built a sustainable life and created her own small business. Her business has become a platform for her to impact lives through education, counseling, and mentoring. Growing up, I always admired her ability to make a difference, and this motivated me to pursue a path focused on serving others.
What is your ultimate goal for your career in medicine?
My ultimate goal for my career in medicine is to be emotionally present, community-centered, and social justice-oriented. I aspire to be a physician and advocate, committed to addressing health disparities and collaborating with underserved communities to counter historical inequities. Working with grassroots movements in recent years has shown me that empowering communities with the tools to lead their own initiatives creates lasting and sustainable change. I hope to continue this work by partnering with patients to enhance both individual health and community well-being.
What kind of emotions do you feel as you’re beginning medical school?
A mix of excitement and nerves. Excitement because of the novelty—new city, new people, new journey ahead. But also a hint of nervousness because I don’t entirely know what to expect. While I know it will be challenging, I find comfort in knowing that McGovern offers a strong support system that will guide me through this new chapter.
What are you looking forward to most about medical school?
My growth! Medical school will expose me to so many new ideas and experiences, and I’m excited to embrace each one as an opportunity for personal development. I’m eager to see how my interests and passions will evolve in ways I haven’t considered.
If you had to pick a medical specialty right now, what would it be and why?
If I had to choose a specialty right now, I would likely lean towards OB-GYN because of my strong passion for maternal health equity. Throughout my gap years, I collaborated with local community organizations focused on addressing the maternal mortality crisis. These experiences solidified my commitment to advocating for BIPOC women who frequently face barriers to healthcare and equitable treatment.
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