In the twenty-second episode of Vitals and Voices, we sit down with Alejandra — a dedicated pre-med student who is now stepping into her next chapter as an incoming MS1. Her path captures what it looks like when curiosity, compassion, and persistence intersect. Before even beginning medical school, she built a foundation shaped by research, advocacy, and a desire to expand the reach of evidence-based care.Alejandra’s story begins with something simple but powerful: a fascination with how medicine can transform a child’s life. That spark eventually led her to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she works full-time on projects aimed at improving treatment strategies for pediatric patients around the world. While many pre-med students follow traditional routes, Alejandra carved her own — balancing rigorous science with a broader mission to strengthen healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries, where access to quality care is often limited.In our conversation, Alejandra opens up about the moments that shaped her ambition: the first time she watched a research question unfold into data, the weight of seeing global health disparities up close, and the commitment it takes to stay focused when the path grows overwhelming. She talks honestly about the pressure many students feel — the expectation to excel, the uncertainty around next steps, and the challenge of holding onto purpose in a field known for its intensity.We explore the work she’s most proud of: projects that aim to reduce inequality in pediatric treatment outcomes, and her effort to advocate for systems that uplift families in underserved regions. Through each experience, Alejandra found clarity about the kind of physician she hopes to become — one who not only treats illness, but also works to reshape the environments that allow it to persist.As she prepares to begin medical school, Alejandra reflects on the transition from student to future physician. She shares what excites her, what intimidates her, and what keeps her grounded as she steps into a role she’s been working toward for years. Her journey is a reminder that medicine isn’t built only on textbooks and exams, but on empathy, persistence, and the stories that push us to serve others.Alejandra’s path is one of purpose, resilience, and a deep belief in making healthcare more equitable around the world — proof that the work you do long before medical school can shape the doctor you will become.

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