At 6 years old, Vanessa Avina was more interested in viewing the monitor for her echocardiography (heart ultrasound) than watching a cartoon during her doctor’s visits. Her CHOC pediatric cardiologist Dr. Anthony Chang recognized her curiosity and through the years nurtured her interest in the field of medicine. When Vanessa was 17, Dr. Chang encouraged her to participate in the hospital’s Sharon Disney Lund Medical Intelligence and Innovations Institute’s (Mi4) internship program. Vanessa jumped at the chance and is now—two years later—majoring in pre-med biology at California State University, San Bernardino.
The Mi4 internship program is designed to offer the brightest high school and college students in Southern California with meaningful experiences in medicine. Interns have the opportunity to shadow CHOC physicians as they conduct rounds in the hospital and see patients in the clinics. They research and present exciting topics related to the future of pediatric medicine, and attend special field trips, including this year meeting Dr. Eric Topol. A practicing cardiologist, professor of genomics and director of the Scripps Translational Science Institute in La Jolla, Dr. Topol is one of the top 10 most-cited researchers in medicine. His special interest is digital innovative technologies designed to reshape the future of medicine.
Vanessa particularly enjoyed meeting Dr. Topol and learning how he focuses on the most important development in health care today – putting the patients at the center of everything clinicians do. She’s quick to point out that her mentor, Dr. Chang, and the other CHOC physicians she has met share that viewpoint.
“It’s clear that CHOC physicians put patients and families first, and partner with them to advance treatment and care. I experienced that as a patient and I have witnessed that time and again throughout my internship,” said Vanessa.
While Vanessa isn’t quite sure what field of medicine she wants to pursue, her experience with CHOC has solidified her interest in pediatrics. “I’ve learned so much from so many CHOC subspecialists. They’ve truly sparked my interest in so many different specialties, from infectious diseases to oncology. They’ve especially inspired me to continue to realize my dream of practicing pediatric medicine, bringing hope to children and their families,” explained Vanessa.
A college sophomore, Vanessa knows she has a long road ahead of her, including medical school, residency and fellowship. But the 19-year-old, who will be the first in her family to graduate from college, is determined to become the kind of physician her mentor, Dr. Chang, would want her to be.
“Dr. Chang is an incredible doctor. He’s so smart and innovative. He also has an amazing bedside manner. He has been such an inspiration to me, motivating me to continue on with my dream of working at CHOC,” said Vanessa.
