Meet Our Incoming Interns

Where you grew up and what path led you to Stanford Urology?
I am originally from Irvine, CA and went to Bryn Mawr College for my undergraduate studies, where I developed my initial passion for research. After college, I spent 2 years at UPenn/CHOP conducting translational research and solidified my desire to pursue an MD-PhD. At Washington University in St. Louis, I had an interesting foray into neuroepigenetics that I now hope to apply to better understand and treat urologic disease. I was drawn to Stanford Urology because of the incredible community of mentors and leaders at the frontier of urology that would foster my growth as an aspiring urologic surgeon scientist.

What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, specifically to urology?
My love for urology stems from being immersed in a field that allows me to serve patients across the full spectrum of urologic care, from diagnosis and surgical treatments to long-term management of some of the most personal clinical issues. I also love that the inherent variety embedded in urology necessitates creativity and constant intellectual curiosity that I find challenging but incredibly rewarding. I am excited by the opportunities to apply my growing research interests to investigate the regulation of neuronal activity in urologic oncology pathogenesis and the molecular mechanisms of congenital and acquired causes of neurogenic bladder.

Outside of medicine, what are some things that bring you joy or help you recharge?
Outside of medicine, I love going to art museums and concerts/the symphony (excited to visit the Cantor arts center nearby!). I grew up watercolor painting and playing the violin, so interacting with the arts has always sparked a lot of joy for me. But in my day to day, I also love to just unwind by visiting a local "spot" with friends or staying at home watching reality tv.

What’s one thing your colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
I think some colleagues might be surprised that I'm really into sports (Go birds! / YNWA). 

What are you most excited about as you start this new chapter in residency?
I am most excited to be surrounded by others who share my passion for urology, and to really just learn and contribute as much as I can during my training.

Where you grew up and what path led you to Stanford Urology?
I grew up in San Francisco in a vibrant Nicaraguan household, raised by immigrant parents as the second youngest of six alongside my twin sister. Both my family and the city shaped me early on; walking down the street meant passing the smells of carne asada and dumplings, a small reflection of the diversity around me. That sense of community stayed with me into medical school, where I found ways to connect my interest in surgery with research, policy, and community health. Along the way, I completed master’s degrees in legal studies and clinical research. That path ultimately brought me back to the Bay to Stanford Urology!

What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, specifically to urology?
My path to medicine began when I watched my twin relearn to walk after a spinal cord injury following scoliosis surgery. That experience showed me how medicine can restore function and offer hope. Later, working in San Francisco and in clinics in Mexico and Haiti, I saw how structural barriers shape who canaccess that care. In medical school, I was drawn to surgical fields that pair intervention with longitudinal relationships, which I found in urology. Particularly, urologic oncology stood out for its range of procedures and the continuity of care, where technical work in the operating room carries through to meaningful moments at the bedside.

Outside of medicine, what are some things that bring you joy or help you recharge?
Outside of medicine, I’m drawn to movement, the outdoors, and good food. I grew up around salsa - both in music and in the kitchen—and I’m still trying to perfect both. Spoken word has been a long-standing outlet for storytelling and reflection. I enjoy running and biking, anything that builds a good sweat. I’m a loyal Bay Area sports fan (Niner Nation, go WARRIORS), however my love for Kobe keeps me loosely tied to the Lakers as well. Above all, I value breaking bread/ sharing meals with family and friends.

What’s one thing your colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
Despite spending most of my life near the coastal cities: San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, and soon Stanford, I still don’t know how to swim. It’s a personal goal of mine to change that before residency (T–3 months). Longer term, I’d love to complete a half Ironman with my partner…so learning not to drown feels like a good place to start.

What are you most excited about as you start this new chapter in residency?
This feels like a long time in the making. I’m excited to begin this next phase of training--caring for patients, learning from each case, and growing into greater responsibility. I look forward to building relationships with co-residents and working with teams across different specialties. Stanford feels like fertile ground for the kind of physician I hope to become: grounded in strong clinical training, engaged in research and policy, and sustained by time outdoors.