PGY-2 Residents

Medical School:  University of Jordan

Hometown:  Houston, Texas

Career Goals: My career path is not set in stone. One thing I have learned is to stay flexible with opportunities, so my goal is to be a confident pediatrician with high professional and moral standards.

One person I would like to meet and why: Nelson Mandela. He left the world a better place than how he found it.

Something you would never guess about me is:  I like to cook, and my favorite restaurant is my kitchen. 

Why you chose TTUHSC El Paso: Here it is an intimate program where there is a lot of camaraderie and unique experiences. These experiences will help me evolve into a confident pediatrician who can make quality decisions for my patients and challenge me to be the best physician I can be.

Medical School:  Tecnológico de Monterrey Escuela de Medicina Ignacio A. Santos

Hometown:  San Salvador, El Salvador

Career Goals:  To become an excellent general pediatrician and potentially pursue a fellowship.
 
One person I would like to meet and why: Jimmy Butler. Even after being abandoned by both of his parents at 13, he never let anything deter him from pursuing his goal of becoming an NBA player. His story continues to inspire me to set the bar high and follow my dreams.
 
Something you would never guess about me is: I love to explore new trails on my mountain bike.
 
Why you chose TTUHSC El Paso: The faculty, staff and residents are very passionate about the work they are doing. They have a unique community serving advocacy and border health program. In addition to their strong teaching curriculum and diverse patient population. El Paso is considered one of the safest cities in the U.S., which was important to consider for my family.

Medical School: Kansas City University

Hometown: El Paso, Texas

Career Goals: Wherever my career takes me. I hope to become a physician who my patients can trust and confide in, and build lasting and meaningful patient-doctor and professional relationships. I want to be the kind of professional whose patients are comfortable calling at 3 a.m. with a question or approaching me in public to say hi.

One person I would like to meet and why: If I had my time machine working, I would probably visit Benjamin Franklin. He was probably the closest thing to the “most interesting man in the world” we will ever see. 

Something you would never guess about me is: I have had the extreme fortune and privilege to have traveled all over the world. There are still many places to check off the list!

Why you choose TTUHSC El Paso: I do not think anything could have given me a greater sense of purpose than to have the honor to help the people who shape this amazing community we have in El Paso. It does not hurt that the program here is filled with such friendly and caring people. 

Medical School:  Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown:  Emory, Texas

Career Goals:  I am leaning toward general pediatrics, but I am keeping an open mind about fellowship. One fellowship I am considering is child abuse pediatrics. I really enjoy advocating for my patients, and I feel this will be an important aspect of my practice no matter where my pediatric career takes me

One person I would like to meet and why:  If I could meet anyone, I would probably choose Dr. Jennifer Arnold. Watching her in the hit TLC show The Little Couple was one of the first influences that led me to pursue medical school and pediatrics as my specialty. As I am entering into my career, I would love the opportunity to sit down with one of my childhood heroes and listen to the advice and wisdom she has to share.

Something you would never guess about me is:  When I was a teenager, I was obsessed with the idea of living alone on a houseboat. I never fulfilled that dream, but I am planning to settle for a houseboat vacation rental at least once in my lifetime!

Why you chose TTUHSC El Paso:  I chose TTUHSC El Paso for a few reasons! First, everyone was exceptionally kind and welcoming during my interview day and the residents genuinely seemed happy. Even through my limited interactions, I felt like I could really envision myself as part of the TTUHSC El Paso family. Secondly, I am excited to live in a city that is heavily influenced by Mexican culture. I am half Mexican American, half White, so I am excited to learn more about my heritage and improve my Spanish.  Lastly, the new parent elective was a unique added bonus for my husband and me to consider when ranking programs. 

Medical School: Paul L. Foster School of Medicine

Hometown: El Paso, Texas

Career Goals: I fell in love with hospitalist medicine when I rotated, but am also open to general pediatrics. Ultimately, what I am most interested in is helping my community, and becoming a physician in my community that is in need.

One person I’d like to meet and why: J.R.R. Tolkien. He is my favorite author and had such an interesting mind. His philosophies and life experiences are something I would like to hear about first hand. Listening to one of his recorded lectures was a treat. I can only imagine what it would be like to speak with him in person!

Something you’d never guess about me is: I was in musical theater for the better part of my adolescence. I loved performing, especially because it helped me overcome my stage fright and lisp.

Why you chose TTUHSC El Paso: El Paso is my hometown, and the people of the city are my people. I love this city and the community and want to be a part of it in a meaningful way.

Medical School:  Centro de Estudios Universitarios Xochicalco
 
Hometown: Tijuana Baja California
 
Career Goals:  Start working in general pediatrics. However, pediatric intensive care unit and pulmonology has called my attention.
 
One person I would like to meet and why:  Elizabeth Eckford, for her bravery against her peers to defend equality and her beliefs.
 
Something you would never guess about me is:  My favorite music genre is metal rock, and my favorite Disney movie is Mulan. 

Why you chose TTUHSC El Paso:  Coming from a city with a high level of migration, we were always limited in the management of many patients during my training. Sometimes patients had the opportunity to be transferred to the U.S. for multidisciplinary management and necessary interventions that my city could not offer. I chose this program since I will have the opportunity to follow up with many patients who arrive in this country to have the best care possible, and I will see the outcome of them.

Medical School:  Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown:  El Paso, Texas

Career Goals:  At this moment, I aspire to sub-specialize as a pediatric nephrologist focusing on transplant and the transition from childhood to adult care. I also hope to improve my Spanish and become fluent in American Sign Language. 

One person I would like to meet and why:  Although it is not possible, my organ donor who in her dying allowed me to live through a kidney transplant. I am incredibly grateful to her and want to thank her for her decision to donate her organs. I also want to find out what kind of person she was to help keep her memory alive. 

Something you would never guess about me is: I love rock and pop-punk music! 
In addition, I have three kidneys (my two original, plus my kidney transplant)!

Why you chose TTUHSC El Paso: There are so many reasons why I chose TTUHSC El Paso: 

The program is in the city where I was born and raised and am lucky to call home. It has given me so much, and I am so excited to give back by helping treat the Paso del Norte region.
It is a unique program on the U.S.-Mexico border, which emphasizes border health.
From day one, the faculty, staff, and now my co-interns and fellow residents have all been so kind and welcoming, making me feel right at home. 

Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch

Hometown: Mesquite, Texas 

Career Goals: General pediatrics or hospitalist.  

One person I would like to meet and why:   I would love to meet Zendaya because she is such an incredible actress and also seems to be such a fun person to be around!

Something you would never guess about me is:   I am a big foodie and love to eat and explore different types of restaurants! 

Why you chose TTUHSC El Paso:  I thought that everyone during interview day was super positive and welcoming and created a comforting environment from the residents to the attendings. I also was super interested in helping all the types of patients we are privileged to treat in El Paso, especially the underserved. I felt that doing my residency in El Paso would be very fulfilling and rewarding, and after interview day, I had such a positive feeling. And I was right! Everyone here has been super supportive and kind, and I am excited for my next three years! 

Medical School: TTUHSC El Paso – Foster School of Medicine
 
Hometown: El Paso, Texas 
 
Career Goals: My career goals are to stay in El Paso as a general pediatrician. I am also considering a focus in sports medicine or neonatology. Also, open to wherever the future takes me.
 
One person I would like to meet and why: George Lucas because he created some of my favorite film series, Star Wars and Indiana Jones.
 
Something you would never guess about me is: One thing you would never guess about me is that I ran cross-country and track in college.
 
Why you chose TTUHSC El Paso: I chose TTUHSC El Paso because this is my hometown and community, and I want to continue serving. The program is wonderful, and all the people involved are friendly and encouraging with the goal of helping you be an excellent pediatrician. 

Medical School: Paul L. Foster School of Medicine

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Career Goals: Decide during intern year if I want to do a fellowship or not.  

One person I would like to meet and why:  It would be cool to meet Malala Yousafzai for coffee or tea in London and tell her how much of an inspiration she is to my family and me.

Something you would never guess about me is:  My hobbies are skin care and makeup.  

Why you chose TTUHSC El Paso:  My family and I love El Paso!  I really enjoyed my pediatric clerkship experience during my last two years of medical school.  All of the faculty and residents were enthusiastic and effective teachers, so I knew as a resident it would be in the perfect learning and training environment for me.