Lesley Chapa

Medical Student Spotlight

Name: Lesley Chapa
Hometown: San Juan, TX
Year in Medical School: MS1 (Class of 2025)
Undergraduate School: UTRGV

Do you serve on any student interest groups/organizations/activities? If so, which one(s)?

I currently serve as the President of the Psychiatry Student Interest Group. It's an honor to collaborate with peers that are passionate about mental health and wellness. Through the SIG, we aim to spread awareness about mental health to the RGV community.

What inspired you to become a doctor? When did you know you wanted to be a doctor?

I didn't always know that I wanted to be a doctor. I settled in on becoming a physician during my undergraduate years.

During that time, I had the opportunity to shadow an internal medicine physician who I think has a strong sense of commitment to his patient population. He is not only their doctor but also their advocate, confidant, and friend. Watching him interact with his patients was like sitting in at a family gathering. Their interactions were fluid, and he explained things in a very digestible manner. I was very impressed by him, and I want to model that in the future.

I am excited to, one day, also be able to use my cultural and linguistic repertoire to serve as an advocate for underrepresented patients.

Why did you choose the UTRGV School of Medicine?

I chose the UTRGV School of Medicine because I felt that this school would allow me to learn about medicine through a unique cultural lens. We are one of the most diverse medical schools in the nation, and it is exciting to collaborate and learn from distinct perspectives.

Also, one of the things that I value most in my life is family. So, it is also a privilege to be close to home and spend time with them each day.

What specialties of medicine interest you the most? Why?

I want to stay open-minded to different specialties since I haven't had great exposure to different areas at this point. However, I am a little bit biased towards Psychiatry because I am interested in mental health and mental health awareness.

Growing up as a Mexican American, at least in my experience, there is an existing stigma toward mental health conversations. Maybe that experience is unique to me, but from what I have observed, I feel that this is a common trend in many Hispanic cultures. My family is from a very traditional Mexican background. Their go-to phrases are ‘No tienes nada, no pasa nada, todo va estar bien.’ [‘There’s nothing wrong, not is going to happen, everything is going to be okay.’]

So, you grow up saying to yourself ‘no pasa nada, no pasa nada, no pasa nada…’ [‘nothing’s wrong, nothing’s wrong, nothing’s wrong…’] but what happens when ‘nada’ or ‘nothing’ turns into ‘algo’ [‘something’]? When ‘nada’ or ‘nothing’ starts giving you heart palpitations, and shortness of breath and starts manifesting itself physiologically – what do you do?

I think it's interesting to see how these dynamics are shifting as newer generations become more vocal about mental health and mental health treatment. I would love to be at the forefront of those conversations, especially in medicine, because I think it's essential to offer a level of cultural awareness for underrepresented patients.

It's also a privilege to be someone's confidant during their most vulnerable moment because our mental health directly impacts all other areas of our life! But we will see what God has in store for my future.

What areas of research interest you the most? Why?

I am interested in doing research in Psychiatry and learning more about mental health. I am currently training to work as a research assistant on a project regarding depression and suicidality in youth. I haven't started doing research just yet, but it will be interesting to learn more and gain an inside look into the field.

How has the UTRGV School of Medicine fostered your interest in pursuing a career in medicine?

The UTRGV SOM continues to challenge me in new ways that I hadn't been challenged in the past. I find myself pushed to new limits every day, and sometimes it isn't smooth sailing. But, being challenged intellectually, professionally, and mentally, is a great opportunity for growth.

I am excited to see who I become three years from now.

What are your plans for engaging in research this summer?

Nothing is set in stone at the moment. There are a few projects I am waiting to hear back from. But regardless, I'd like to engage in something Psychiatry-related either at home or elsewhere. I am excited to learn more about the field and see if it's something for me.

What is one interesting fact others might not know about you that you are willing to share?

Fun Fact: I am a huge fan of Bad Bunny, a rapper from Puerto Rico.

When my best friend first introduced me to his music, I gave her too much grief over it. I told her that he was overrated, and his music wasn't all that. But now, I always listen to Bad Bunny during my drives, and it makes me feel very cool.

However, the illusion fades away when I realize I am driving a little SUV-mom-car on my way to study at the library. At first glance, I don't think that's something people would assume about me.