Program: Vancouver-Fraser Medical Program
My journey to medicine reflects the support, sacrifice, and wisdom of so many – a collective effort. It is this truth that I hold close to me and is why commitment to community drives me forward. I was raised in and by the Grandview-Woodlands neighbourhood in Vancouver’s Eastside, a place that encompasses an inner-city defined by resilience, strengthened by diversity, pillared by dedicated leaders, and united by a unique sense of identity. I am a queer only-child of a first-generation Mexican immigrant and an antiquarian bookseller settler of Irish-Scottish descent, raised in social housing and a product of public schooling. I am passionate about contributing to community and the public good because I am a product of it. This is the fundamental reason why I chose Family Medicine – it is where community meets medicine.
I don’t think I can pick out one moment, but what will stay with me are all the amazing friends and colleagues I have shared all these moments with. Thinking back on the first anatomy lab at the beginning of first year, the long nights at the Diamond Health Care Centre covering the whiteboards with minute details in second year, that first on-call shift, celebrating Match Day – I am really just thankful for the people that went through these ineffable experiences with me. They have made this journey memorable!
Remember to slow down when you can – before you enter a room allow yourself a moment to feel the ground beneath your feet, take four mindful deep breaths in, and remember, you are human, above all and outside the hospital walls.
I am excited to start my Family Practice residency at St. Paul’s – a program that I feel fits my passion for social justice, will help me develop into the physician I wish to be, and will allow me to maintain my connection to the community I was raised in. My wife and I are also enjoying being new parents to our bright-eyed and beautiful daughter, and I am so excited to watch her grow into an amazing tiny human!