ElevateMeD Scholar: Mirelle Rojano

Meet Mirelle Rojano

ElevateMeD Scholar 2024-25

Mirelle Rojano shares how she noticed differences in the healthcare experience when her family moved from Mexico to the US. This motivated her to become the physician that other immigrants and Latinos feel comfortable coming to for care.

• Hometown: Originally from Mexico but moved to Houston, TX

• Medical Education: Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine

• Undergraduate Education: University of Texas at San Antonio in Biology

• Current Career Plan: Apply to family medicine residency programs and graduate from medical school in May.

• Specialty Interest: Family Medicine

• I am most proud of… As the first in my family to pursue medical education, my journey has been defined by perseverance, dedication, and immense pride. Each milestone attained in my medical training reaffirms the resilience instilled within me. Throughout the rigorous curriculum, I discovered my calling in family medicine, recognizing its potential for tangible impact both on individuals' lives and within my community. This realization ignited a fervent passion for serving the Latino community, leading me to volunteer as a medical interpreter at "Puentes de Salud", participate in tutoring for elementary school kids, and coordinate mentorship events for high school students. The convergence of my cultural identity and professional aspirations fuels my dedication to bridging healthcare accessibility gaps and advocating for equitable care for all.

• You might be surprised to know… Surprisingly, something about me that may raise eyebrows is my continued reliance on a Yahoo email address. Despite the rise of newer, trendier platforms, I've stuck with this familiar tool. It's a reflection of my steadfast nature; if something proves effective and holds significance in my life, I see no reason to part with it. Loyalty, after all, is a trait deeply ingrained in my character. Just as I am committed to preserving traditions and values that withstand the test of time, I remain devoted to the tools that serve me faithfully, like my trusty Yahoo email.

• ElevateMeD… holds profound significance for me. As a future physician dedicated to serving the Latino community by improving healthcare outcomes, this program remarkably aligns with my mission. ElevateMeD is an organization committed to elevating the field of medicine by providing financial support and mentorship to future doctors from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Recognizing the prohibitive cost of medical education, ElevateMeD aims to increase diversity in healthcare and improve cultural competence among physicians to reduce disparities. The access to mentorship from doctors of diverse backgrounds through this program is invaluable to me. It offers career guidance and support and provides an empowering network of collaboration to bridge cultural barriers that hinder healthcare in underserved communities. ElevateMeD's progressive approach has fueled my resolve to make a lasting and powerful impact in the communities I aim to serve as a physician.