MEET LOCAL LEGENDS: By State

"Both of my parents are doctors–pathologists, so that had a significant impact on me; I grew up around it. I was always interested in helping people and wanted to care for patients."

"As a child, I discovered the world of medicine through reading. “Chirpas,” a book in Spanish, first piqued my interest. The main character was a young doctor in the most rural and poor communities of Mexico. I was 10 but too shy to share my newfound passion with my parents, siblings or friends. I did not feel "smart enough" and did not know anyone that practiced medicine, nor was I ever encouraged by anyone. Growing up, my family did not have health care and paid for services out–of–pocket and only in emergencies. In high school a core of friends also had an interest in medicine, but I always kept my desire secret. However, my interest was always in helping people help themselves and after college, I spent two years administering a social service program. These two years gave me the experience, maturity and courage to go to medical school, where I soon discovered my niche—public health!"

"I enjoy family medicine. You are at the intersection of science, medicine, and families and there is a real excitement in caring for a person. I wanted to be a doctor since I was in the second grade. I owe a lot to my parents for listening to me and caring about what I said way back then, and then encouraging me."

"Working with refugees in Central America while I was in medical school, I'd listen to their stories, and their words opened my eyes to the injustices and inequalities under which many people have to live. I've wanted ever since to help improve health and human rights with those most in need."

"I had a revelation one day while walking down the street in Manhattan. I was working two jobs at the time, one at a hospital in Harlem, and it occurred to me that I was seeing people on the street who were sick and if I really wanted to help change the world, I had to start with the physical reality of helping these people get well so they could contribute too."

"It's the best feeling and a huge privilege to be there when a child comes into the world. It's just a great moment—you are present at the start of a family."

"I grew up in the desert and was always outdoors. I loved the creatures of the desert and thought everybody loved snakes, spiders and Gila Monsters."