In the twenty-first episode of Vitals and Voices, we sit down with Pablo — a neuroscience and emergency medicine student whose path into healthcare began long before college, sparked by an unexpected middle-school class that cracked open the wonder of the human brain. Now a sophomore in college with hands in autism and immunology research, Pablo is charting an ambitious future: medical school, military service, and ultimately a career as a neurosurgeon.Pablo shares the story of the moment everything clicked for him: learning about Phineas Gage in a study skills class he never actually wanted to take, then visiting the Health Museum, where he held a real human brain for the first time. That moment—equal parts surreal and electrifying—set off a chain reaction. Years later, observing his first neurosurgery confirmed what he already felt deep down: this is the life meant for him.We talk openly about the reality of pursuing such an intense path. Pablo describes the days when perseverance feels thin, when quitting whispers louder than discipline, and how he pushes forward with the knowledge that this dream extends beyond himself. For him, the journey is about family, legacy, and the future patients he hopes to serve—people who will one day trust him with the most delicate organ we have.We also dive into a topic Pablo is deeply passionate about: the growing harm of body dysmorphia and steroid use among teens, especially within online fitness spaces. As a creator who posts lifting and pre-medical content, and as someone who’s researched this rising trend, he hopes to use his platform to advocate for healthier narratives—dreaming of one day giving a TED Talk to call for change.To close, Pablo reflects on one of his proudest milestones: becoming a U.S. citizen after nearly a decade-long process. As a first-generation student, he carries that achievement with gratitude and pride. It shaped his drive, his resilience, and his vision of becoming the first surgeon in his family.Pablo’s story is one of grit, discovery, and a future built on purpose—proof that even the most unlikely beginnings can lead to extraordinary callings.

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