This sense of camaraderie and compassion is a defining aspect of VCOM, and I am incredibly grateful to be part of such a caring and driven group of future physicians.
Who or what has inspired you while at VCOM?
My fellow classmates have been my greatest source of inspiration. We come from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, yet we are united by a shared commitment to serving the underserved. Beyond excelling academically, many of my peers are deeply involved in research, volunteering, leadership roles, and unique personal pursuits. Balancing all these responsibilities is no small feat, and every day, I am reminded of how truly inspiring they are.
What stands out the most is the unwavering support we have for one another, especially during difficult times. When a classmate faces hardship, our community comes together—whether through organizing donations, sending messages of encouragement, or simply being there for one another. This sense of camaraderie and compassion is a defining aspect of VCOM, and I am incredibly grateful to be part of such a caring and driven group of future physicians.
How has the VCOM mission inspired you as a medical student?
As a child of immigrants, VCOM’s mission deeply resonates with me. I have personally witnessed the healthcare disparities faced by underserved communities, particularly within the Hispanic community. VCOM’s commitment to serving these populations is not just a statement—it is actively reflected in the school’s initiatives.
VCOM encourages students to learn from different cultures and backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive and understanding medical community. Additionally, VCOM ensures that we uphold its mission by engaging us in meaningful community involvement. Whether through medical outreach or educational initiatives like the Mini Medical School for local middle and high school students, we are given opportunities to both educate and learn from the communities we serve. These experiences have reinforced my passion for addressing healthcare disparities and have shaped me into a more compassionate and culturally competent future physician.
Who or what inspired you to study medicine?
My mother instilled in me the belief that “anything is possible,” especially with the opportunities available in the United States. Her unwavering hard work and dedication to ensuring my brother and I could live the American dream have always been evident. Although she hoped at least one of us would become an engineer, we both found our calling in healthcare.
Growing up, I often served as my family’s interpreter at medical appointments, a role I continue to play today. This experience sparked my curiosity about the "whys" of medicine and deepened my awareness of the healthcare disparities faced by underserved communities. While pursuing medicine once felt like an impossible task, my mother has always been there to remind me how far we’ve come—and how much more we can and will achieve.
Why did you choose VCOM?
My alma mater, Wake Forest University, provided me with an incredible education, but it also had a highly competitive environment where shared resources among classmates were limited. During my interview at VCOM, the importance of collaboration was emphasized, and when I arrived, I immediately noticed a stark contrast. On my very first day, multiple speakers, including our Dean, reinforced the idea that our goal was to ensure that we all reach the finish line together. This was not just a sentiment—it was a promise that has been upheld throughout my time here.
At VCOM, my classmates actively share resources and support one another, creating an environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. This culture of teamwork has allowed me to thrive, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in medicine. It has also shown me that by lifting each other up, we can all become the best physicians for our future patients.
What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?
At the Carolinas campus, we get the best of both worlds—a close-knit, small-town feel that allows us to truly connect with the community we serve while still being within easy reach of larger cities like Charlotte and Greenville. Many of my friends and I enjoy taking short trips to these cities, whether to study at coffee shops or explore new places. This balance between a supportive local community and access to vibrant city life makes living here a truly enriching experience.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Although free time is limited in medical school, I make it a priority to unwind through activities like running, painting, and stargazing. These hobbies not only bring me joy but also serve as a much-needed outlet for stress. I also love trying new experiences and foods, which my friends and I make a point to do at least once a month. Exploring different cuisines and activities keeps life exciting and provides a great way to take a break from studying.
Are you interested in a particular practice or specialty once you graduate? What has inspired your interest in this specialty?
I’m really interested in internal medicine and hope to specialize in medical oncology. Unfortunately, cancer has impacted my family in a deeply personal way, and losing loved ones to it opened my eyes to the challenges that patients and their families face. It also made me realize how important representation is in oncology—and how much it’s still lacking. I want to be there for patients during one of the hardest times in their lives, not just as a doctor but as someone who understands their struggles and makes them feel seen, heard, and supported.