What inspired you to attend PVCC?
My Dad passed away when I was 12, so as the oldest son, I needed to be there for my mom and siblings. I went to Paradise Valley High School and attended the CNA and Health Pathways Program. At 17 I trained to be a Phlebotomist. While at PVCC, I worked as a Phlebotomist at Abrazo Scottsdale Campus (formerly Paradise Valley Hospital). I was committed to making the most of the opportunity.
What was your major or focus of study at PVCC? And what year did you graduate?
Associate of Science degree in 2010 and pre-med prerequisites.
What were one or two of the most memorable aspects of your student experience at PVCC?
I took Anthony DeShea’s Pathways to College course which taught me how to focus and grow as a person. I loved the small community at PVCC. I got to know my professors and their teaching had a huge impact on my life.
How would you describe PVCC to others? Would you recommend PVCC and why?
I would recommend PVCC because of the more personal interaction with professors and that they also push you to be successful.
What piece of advice would you give to PVCC students?
I would tell students to choose what they are passionate about, then it will be easier to be successful to grow in your life and career. Also, take advantage of the community college environment.
Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC…
Universidad de Guadalajara - Medical School
USMLE Step 1 & Step 2 - During Medical School
Jackson Park Hospital Chicago 5th year Pathways program
Houston Methodist Hospital TMC – Residency
HMH GME House Staff Council elected Treasurer PGY-1
HMH GME House Staff Council elected President PGY-2 & PGY-3
USMLE Step 3 - During second year of Residency
Abrazo Scottsdale Campus – Hospital Medicine
Chief Hospitalist since 2022, served one year as Vice Chair of the Medicine Department 2023, and elected to the At-Large Member of the Executive Committee in January 2024
I am on the PVHS CREST Board. I am a recurring guest speaker in their CNA/Health Pathways Program. I welcome the opportunity for high school students to come and shadow me. In addition, I have had medical students’ rotating with me everyday for the last 3 years at Abrazo Scottsdale.
How would you advise students on how to choose their educational or career path?
I would tell students to choose a career you are passionate about, however, you need to understand it, so do some job shadowing or an internship to see if it’s a career you want to pursue. Also, going to community college doesn’t mean you’re not as important, it doesn’t mean you can’t make as much of an impact.
In your career journey, what has been one of your greatest successes and one of your greatest challenges?
My greatest success has been the growth in my career, as well as being promoted to Chief Hospitalist and being awarded the 2023 Physician of the Year at Abrazo Scottsdale Campus. I love medicine, caring for people, and team building.
One of my greatest challenges was the sacrifices I had to make to be successful. I lost connections for some time with friends, family, and had to move away from home.
How did your experiences at PVCC either directly or indirectly impact the work that you do?
In Professor Dr. Mancini’s Organic Chemistry class, I was introduced to the opportunity of going to medical school at Universidad de Guadalajara. And that is where I completed my medical degree. My experience at PVCC has been vital in my career.