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I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a physician. I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 6, and my doctor back then just had the greatest bedside manner. He made me feel like a normal kid, even when I was struggling to breathe. I wanted to do that someday for other people. So, I never really thought about doing anything else.

My parents were always very supportive. They made sure I knew I was smart enough and capable enough to reach my goals. But today, there are a lot of students who may not have that same kind of support. They don¡¯t have people in their lives to help them along or keep pushing them down the road if they get discouraged. So, that¡¯s a big part of why I do what I do.

Supporting the next generation of health professionals

My goal is to be a role model for aspiring medical students. As an anesthesiologist and a pain management specialist at MD Anderson, I want to show the many opportunities that are available. I want to open students¡¯ minds to the possibilities ¡ª and really make them consider things they might never have thought possible before.

That¡¯s one of the reasons I¡¯ve stayed so involved in academics: because I really enjoy working with trainees, residents and fellows. I like helping them develop their skills and build their knowledge. And I feel it¡¯s my responsibility to be visible, vocal and available to them.

Rejection taught me the value of perseverance

I also feel very fortunate to have launched my medical career at MD Anderson. I did my pain fellowship here in 2017, then had an opportunity to join the faculty. Today, I serve as an assistant professor in the department and an associate program director, alongside

But my path here wasn¡¯t exactly the straightest. And I didn¡¯t even get into medical school the first time I tried. So, one thing I always try to convey to the next generation of doctors is that rejection isn¡¯t necessarily the end. Sometimes, you get knocked down, but you just have to get right back up.

Even when I was seeing rejection letter after rejection letter come back during that first year, in a weird way, I just felt like, ¡°OK. Maybe this isn¡¯t my time. What do I need to learn from this? And what can I do better, so that the next time I apply, the outcome is different?¡±

Rejection gives us a chance to recalibrate, so we can learn about ourselves and become better people. It may seem like doors are closing at the time. And that certainly doesn¡¯t feel good. But they¡¯re actually just leading us down the right path. And if we¡¯re willing to be patient and persevere, there are lessons to be learned from those experiences.

I look back on those times now and I¡¯m actually thankful for them. Because they helped me develop this grit ¡ª this determination to succeed ¡ª that continues to serve me well today.

Don¡¯t let anyone else define you

Growing up, one thing my dad always taught me and my siblings is that nobody can define you but you. So, don¡¯t let anyone else try to limit you or tell you who you are. If there¡¯s something you really want to achieve, and you¡¯re willing to put forth the effort and persevere, you will be able to do it.

That¡¯s why my advice to aspiring doctors who experience setbacks is this: just keep going. You didn¡¯t get to where you are today by accident, and you are capable of reaching your goals. You studied hard. You¡¯ve sacrificed. So, keep going. Continue to pursue your dreams. And don¡¯t let anything stop you.

, is a pain management specialist and anesthesiologist at MD Anderson.

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