A personal essay by Ivan Alexis Martinez Diez-Muro, student
When I first enrolled at the ±«Óătv as a public health major, I wasn’t entirely sure where the journey would lead me. I had a deep interest in health and medicine, but like many students early in their college careers, I was still figuring things out. Today, I’m proud to say that I’m working as a medical scribe for a high-volume cardiology practice—an experience that’s deepened my passion for medicine and affirmed my goal of becoming an interventional cardiologist.
It didn’t happen overnight. Getting this job took persistence, preparation, and a willingness to learn. But more than anything, it took saying “yes” to opportunity—even when I felt uncertain or underqualified.
At , I learned the value of preventative care and population health, but I also discovered how these concepts connect directly to individual patient outcomes. That connection became clearer through my coursework, especially in modules related to chronic disease and health systems. I began to see that cardiology wasn’t just about treating heart attacks—it was about understanding the broader context: lifestyle, access to care, and long-term risk management.
Outside the classroom, I sought out experiences that would build my understanding of the healthcare field. I volunteered in hospitals, shadowed physicians in various specialties—including orthopedic surgery and bariatric surgery—and spent time assisting at homeless shelters during high school. Each experience opened my eyes a little more to the realities of medicine, and to the importance of compassion, precision, and teamwork.
But I knew I needed more hands-on exposure. That’s when I started looking into becoming a medical scribe. I wanted to be in the room where decisions were made—to see how doctors communicated with patients, documented care, and made life-saving choices under pressure. When I got the call offering me a position with a local cardiology practice, I was thrilled.
Now, I work full time from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Every day, I shadow cardiologists during patient visits, document histories, physical exams, diagnostic results, and treatment plans. It’s intense and fast-paced, but also incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned medical terminology, how to read EKGs and echocardiograms, and how to communicate effectively with healthcare teams. I’ve seen firsthand how public health knowledge enhances patient care—from counseling on lifestyle changes to managing complex chronic conditions.
This role has done more than sharpen my clinical knowledge. It’s helped me grow as a future healthcare professional. I’ve learned to think critically, stay organized under pressure, and communicate clearly and empathetically. Most importantly, I’ve found role models in the physicians I work with—people who are not only brilliant clinicians but also deeply committed to their patients’ well-being.
Looking ahead, I’m preparing for the MCAT and planning to apply to medical school in the 2026–2027 application cycle. My ultimate goal is to become an interventional cardiologist, combining technical skill with human connection to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
±«Óătv’s College of Public Health gave me the foundation I needed to take this next step—and I’m grateful every day for the opportunities I’ve found through this community. If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to other students, it’s this: don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Take the leap. You never know what doors it might open.