- Location: Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans – 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, LA 70121
- Call to Schedule: 504-842-2256
- Education and Training: Graduate School: University of Alabama
- Field of Study: Epidemiology
- Medical School: Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira
- Field of Study: General Practice
- Internship: Texas Tech Health Sciences Center Permian basin
- Field of Study: Internship
- Residency: Texas Tech Univ Health Sci Center at The Permian Basin
- Field of Study: Internal Medicine
- Country of Origin: Colombia
What inspired you to study medicine?
I grew up in Colombia, in a diverse society marked by social disparities, poverty, and great health challenges. In addition to these problems, we frequently faced emergencies caused by natural disasters that left many people affected and in constant need of medical and social support.
From a very young age, I was educated in an environment where helping others was a fundamental value. Participating in volunteer teams to support various causes was natural for me. Entering medical school was the logical consequence of this vocation, as it allowed me to channel my interest in serving into concrete actions: being at the forefront of patient care and generating a direct impact on their lives.
What are you most passionate about in your profession or specialization?
What I am most passionate about as a doctor is the opportunity to share experiences with my patients: listening to them, helping them, and evolving together in their health care. My relationship with them is close; I like to be their ally, their accomplice, and accompany them so that, based on their own interests, they take control of their life and well-being.
I am fascinated to discover the wonder of the human body, to understand how it works, and to understand what happens in each process to find solutions to the problems that arise. I enjoy working on the promotion of healthy lifestyles and fostering good habits in my patients, while also striving to live my life under those same principles.
For me, Medicine is not just a profession, it is a vocation that allows me to transform lives and build well-being through empathy, knowledge, and commitment.
In your specialization, is there any recurring condition you would like to mention?
In our current society, I believe that two of the most critical problems we face are a sedentary lifestyle and obesity. Today, life has changed: we have multiple technological and communication tools that facilitate our tasks, but they also reduce the need to move. Aspects such as teleworking, smartphones, and unlimited internet access allow us to connect from home. It is no longer necessary to go out to shop, go to the office, or run daily errands; everything is within reach of a click.
This convenience, however, comes at a cost: low levels of physical activity lead to overweight and obesity. Our society is gaining weight every day, and this brings serious health consequences, such as chronic diseases and even cancer. The rates of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease have grown alarmingly.
The most important thing is that all this can be prevented with simple actions: resuming healthy lifestyles, doing at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week (30 minutes daily), incorporating nutritious foods into our diet—more fruits and vegetables, less fried food and fats—and avoiding harmful habits such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. Small changes can transform our health and our future.
A “Wellness tip” for the well-being of patients, especially Hispanics
I invite you to move more! Hispanics love to eat (and why not, our food is delicious!), but every time we eat, we gain calories that we must burn.
Maintaining a balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, along with daily physical activity—walking, walking your pet, jogging, cycling, swimming, or exercising at home with videos—is essential to achieve a balance between the calories we consume and those we expend.
Moving is not just a matter of physical health, it is also emotional well-being and quality of life. Small changes can make a big difference!
What advice do you give to young immigrants or minority groups in the US who dream of studying health careers?
In the United States there is a great need for bilingual health professionals. We do not have enough trained people to cover the growing demand for medical care, and furthermore, we need professionals who speak Spanish to adequately care for the resident Spanish-speaking population.
If you are thinking of studying a health-related profession, I want to tell you something: it is worth it! It is a deeply gratifying career, because you not only learn to heal bodies, but also to transform lives.
It will not always be an easy path. There will be challenges, sacrifices, and moments when you will think about giving up. But my advice is: do not give up. Every effort you make today will be an opportunity to change someone’s future tomorrow. The society needs it, your patients will thank you, and life itself will reward you.
So go ahead, believe in your purpose, and remember: being part of the world of health is more than a profession, it is a life mission.
What do you like about living in Louisiana?
I love Louisiana because it has been a state that has welcomed us and embraced my family as if we were locals. The friendly and cheerful spirit of its people, along with the diversity of cultural and recreational activities, allows us to enjoy a full life.
I have many hobbies that enrich my daily life: I am passionate about dancing, photography, music, reading, sharing time with my family and friends, playing the guitar, swimming, and exercising, among others. Living in New Orleans has given me the opportunity to practice all these activities and continue exploring new experiences that strengthen both my personal and professional life.
