Newswise — EL PASO, Texas — For Carolina Mendez, M.D., graduating from the Foster School of Medicine represents the fulfillment of a dream shaped by personal loss, and her commitment to serving the Borderplex.
The El Paso native became the first physician in her family when she joined fellow Texas Tech Health El Paso graduates during commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, at the Plaza Theatre in Downtown El Paso. Four commencement ceremonies throughout the day and evening brought together graduates from the Foster School of Medicine, Hunt School of Nursing, Hunt School of Dental Medicine and Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
“Caring for the people of my hometown has made my training deeply fulfilling,” Dr. Mendez said. “This community has kept me grounded and motivated me to improve healthcare access in the Borderland.”
Dr. Mendez said her father’s two-year battle with pancreatic cancer helped shape her decision to pursue medicine, sparking her interest in emergency care. During frequent visits to the emergency department, she saw firsthand how compassionate care could improve a patient’s quality of life.
Source: Texas Tech Health El Paso Graduates Step Into the Future of Healthcare / newswise.com