The Inspiration: Rosa

What motivated you to start (or join) Latinos in Neurosurgery?

As a child, pursuing a career in medicine was merely a fleeting thought. My main focus was to work and provide financial assistance to my family. Despite my parents' relentless efforts to supply the essentials, it often fell short. The idea of pursuing medicine seemed entirely unattainable—it’s a costly path, and supporting my family while following it was impractical. I pursued other opportunities that enabled me to support my family.

This experience is not unique to me. Many Latinos I grew up with encounter the same challenges. Financial obstacles and the lack of representation—a scarcity of Latinos in medicine demonstrating that this path is achievable—make entering the seemingly “impossible” field of medicine feel like scaling the world's tallest mountain. And if becoming a physician is one massive mountain, pursuing a competitive specialties, like neurosurgery, feels like climbing the second-highest mountain immediately after it.

My motivation for founding Latinos in Neurosurgery stems from a desire to show others that it’s possible. Coming from poverty and having an unconventional journey, what I perceived as insurmountable obstacles gave me the chance to explore other careers before ultimately pursuing medicine. I want others who may have similar backgrounds and challenges to know they can follow this path too. 

It might be a longer journey, but it is attainable. The finish line is the same for everyone, regardless of where we each begin or what our background is. My message to others is straightforward: don’t be afraid to dream big regardless of your current situation in life, and don’t stop pursuing your goal despite the obstacles you may encounter repeatedly.

Together, we can empower Latinos to overcome similar barriers and help them see themselves represented in fields like neurosurgery.

Why do you believe it’s important to highlight and support Latinos in neurosurgery?

Growing up, I rarely saw Latinos in the medical field, especially in areas like neurosurgery. When you don't see people who resemble you achieving certain goals, it's easy to doubt your own potential. Psychology tells us that both genetics and environment influence our identity, and the surroundings we grow up in significantly impact our beliefs about what we can accomplish. Latino representation in medicine is currently around 6%, and this lack of visibility, whether intentional or not, suggests that this path might not be attainable.

This is why I am so dedicated to demonstrating what is possible. It's not merely about celebrating achievements; it's about creating a chain reaction. By highlighting Latinos who excel in medicine, neurosurgery, and other areas, we show the next generation that they too can aspire to great things. It's about dismantling barriers, inspiring others, and helping them realize that their aspirations, no matter how unattainable they may seem, are achievable.

I want young Latinos to understand that their background does not limit their potential. Whether in neurosurgery, medicine, or any other field, we have the ability to succeed and make an impact. When we support each other, we all progress together.