Why UT Southwestern?

On the interview trail, I felt overwhelmed at the thought of having to interview at numerous programs and somehow sort through them all to find the program that was best for me. What was best for me? As a medical student, I had no idea what work-life balance really was or what comprised a balanced curriculum. What did clinical experience really mean? These were all terms I had heard but was not really fully able to visualize.

It took me all of 20 minutes (maybe even 10!) to realize that UTSW was where I belonged on interview day. I was excited about exposure to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). I was excited about working in both a private and a community hospital. The unique chance to rotate through Metrocare services and the local jail was intriguing. The astounding number of active projects, research, and electives was impressive. The thought of working with attendings who were recognized in their field was even more exciting! Above all else, I valued the high standard of care and compassion set by the faculty. It was clear the faculty and residents were confident and capable of treating acute patients, but they also displayed a level of warmth and genuineness that I wanted to incorporate into my career.

I chose UTSW because I felt that I would be challenged, by the patient volume, by the complexity of the cases I’d encounter, and by the novelty of some of the elective choices and clinics. Most importantly, I chose this program because I felt I could thrive as a developing clinician with the support of the faculty and program directors. To this day, I feel incredibly supported, heard, and valued. I am fortunate also to feel the support of our patient population, who is gracious enough to allow our residents to learn from and with them along their journey.

Career Goals

I am currently on the Child and Adult Psychiatry Combined Track. I would like the opportunity to treat both children and adults in my practice. At this time, I am still deciding between staying in academics or serving as an outpatient clinician. I am most interested in student mental health. I am from El Paso, Texas, and have always desired to work in an underserved community. At this time, I am exploring where that would be for me. I’d like to work with minority populations and families and find a way to destigmatize mental illness in this community. 

Education

University of Texas at Austin (2013-2016) B.S.A. in Biology, minor in Communications

Texas Tech Health Sciences Center at El Paso, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine (2018- 2022), Doctor of Medicine

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