Name and Lastname: Mary Arden Guillory Hometown: San Antonio, Texas Graduation class year: 2028 Current year in medical school: MS1
What inspired you to become a doctor?
Growing up, my curiosity about medicine was sparked by countless games of Operation and the background chatter of Grey’s Anatomy in our home. This curiosity evolved into a desire to serve, inspired by the health challenges faced by close family members. I wanted to help them feel better, but I didn’t know how. Attending medical school will teach me the skills to alleviate pain and improve lives. I am truly grateful to the UTRGV School of Medicine for the opportunity to pursue this dream and make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.
Why did you choose the UTRGV School of Medicine?
I chose the UTRGV School of Medicine because of my experiences during my JAMP internship, where I first explored the Valley and witnessed the significant gap in healthcare compared to my hometown. I am eager to contribute to efforts that address this disparity through initiatives like Operation Border Health and AHEC. Since joining the UTRGV School of Medicine, I have come to appreciate the family-oriented culture that defines the school. I love the accessibility that we have to our professors and the opportunities the school provides for us.
The UTRGV School of Medicine is a practicing academic medical institution. What aspect of academic medicine impacts you the most? (Educational, clinical, research, etc.)
Clinical medicine is the most impactful aspect of academic medicine for me because it constantly reconnects me with my “why” for pursuing medicine. It’s easy to lose sight of this purpose when studying pathways that may seem abstract, but seeing a patient whose life has been transformed by a drug linked to that pathway is a powerful reminder of its significance.
What specialties of medicine or research interest you the most? Why?
Since I decided to become a doctor, I have been captivated by surgery. Shadowing in various surgical specialties solidified my interest as I witnessed the hands-on approach in the operating room. There’s something incredible about the immediate difference made in a patient’s life when they wake up from surgery, knowing they will feel better soon. I am particularly drawn to Otolaryngology, as I find the intricate work in such a small space profoundly impactful on a person’s quality of life. I am excited to explore this interest through my medical school career.
What is one interesting fact others might not know about you?
I love traveling and immersing myself in new cultures. One of my favorite trips was to Dominica, where I helped conduct field research with fellow students on the island's post-hurricane effects. My dream trip of mine is to scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef.
