Latina, Female, Catholic, Ally, First Generation Physician, Athlete

I chose to pursue medicine because it was the perfect combination of my love for science, critical thinking, serving others, and being a team leader. It is the perfect profession that allows me to develop lasting relationships with patients and provides the opportunity to make a positive impact in their lives. Once in medical school I found I enjoyed neurology, MSK/sports medicine, taking a holistic approach to patient care, and working in interdisciplinary teams which lead me to choose the field of PM&R.

I am interested in this organization because I remember how isolating it felt when I struggled to find people with similar backgrounds as me or who understood the unique challenges that I overcame to enter the medical field. Finding the right mentors and friends were crucial to both my success and wellness. I hope to be a resource to other underrepresented minorities and help guide them in their career/life paths.

Something that I still struggle with is imposter syndrome. I am often amazed at how far I have come and find myself attributing everything to pure luck. I must reset my mind frame and remind myself that I worked hard and earned my right to be here.

I hope to work in an outpatient academic center that focuses on MSK, sports, or P&O care and allows me to work with medical students and residents. I want to further diversify the physician workforce by mentoring and empowering underrepresented minority and female physicians.

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