Throughout my life, I've had many experiences, as opposed to a singular one, which ultimately culminated in my decision to pursue medicine. For example, I've always been close to the medical field through my dad, a pediatrician, and my grandfather (may he rest in peace), a radiology technician. Growing up with these significant influences allowed me to see and experience medicine more closely.
I also think my personality lends itself to wanting to care for others and growing up in Monterrey, Barcelona, and the RGV showed me how much need there exists in the world for physicians.
I also like knowing and learning more profoundly, so I knew that becoming a physician would be a good choice.
Why did you choose the UTRGV School of Medicine?
I think the school is in a unique area with many opportunities for its students, particularly learning and research opportunities, that other areas of the nation don't have access to. The school's mission aligns with mine, and being close to my family was also a deciding factor in attending UTRGV SOM.
I've also met some great people here and made friends, so it was definitely the right choice!
The UTRGV School of Medicine is a practicing academic medical institution. What aspect of academic medicine impacts you the most? (Educational, clinical, research, etc.)
The clinical aspect is what impacts me the most. As medical students, we're exposed to unique pathologies and medical conditions that would be very difficult to come by in other medical schools and regions of the United States. There is a robust research community in the RGV that focuses on diabetes, and this, along with our clinical rotations, gives us valuable knowledge into this disease and many others, which I think will serve us well in any region we end up practicing as physicians.
What specialties of medicine or research interest you the most? Why?
I'm applying to Emergency Medicine. I enjoy the range of clinical knowledge that EM physicians work with and the procedural aspect of the specialty as well. It's a very energetic field, and I'm drawn to this and how versatile its physicians are.
I'm also very upbeat and outgoing, so I think this specialty meshes well with me.
What is one interesting fact others might not know about you?
I love plants and animals! But that's a whole story unto itself.
