Hometown: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Program: Master of Health Science
What attracted you to your field?
I got into clinical research to help close the healthcare gaps I saw every day working in Mexico as a doctor. Seeing firsthand how hard it can be for people to access quality care pushed me to find ways to make a real difference on a larger scale.
What is your favourite moment from your time at UBC?
It is difficult to choose only one. My favorite moments at UBC have to be experiencing the changing seasons—seeing the cherry blossoms bloom, the autumn leaves turning vibrant orange and my first snowfall. These moments made the campus feel alive and brought a new sense of wonder to my everyday studies.
What is one piece of advice you have for students entering your program?
Approach every challenge with curiosity and resilience. The program will push you to think critically about problems with complex solutions. Don’t be afraid to be creative, and embrace your mistakes; they often lead to the most insightful learning experiences.
Tell us briefly about your research and the impact you hope it will have.
I’m working on a wide-range of studies focused on multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer. In these studies, we’re using real-world registry data to improve our ability to predict patient outcomes and determine the effect of factors experienced during their disease journey. The ultimate goal is to improve patients’ and doctors’ decision-making and quality of life.
What’s next for you?
I plan to build on my clinical research skills through data-driven projects, pursue a PhD in multidisciplinary oncology and eventually become certified to practice in Canada. And, of course, taking in the scenic route from time to time and fitting in some much-needed travel.