Meet Taeris Guzman
First-year medicine student Taeris Guzman spent the summer working on research projects at NEOMED and Case Western Reserve University, after completed her Master in Foundations of Medicine degree in May. She recently shared her summer experiences with The Pulse.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in the U.S. Virgin Islands and I lived in the Dominican Republic for a few years, but I was mostly raised in Orlando, Florida, where my family lives.
Tell us about your family.
I come from a very big and lively family that consists of an older brother and two younger sisters, all of whom are very close to me. Growing up in such an energetic household was a lot of fun and has molded me into the extroverted person I am today.
Where did you go to undergrad? What was your major?
I went to Florida State University (FSU) for undergrad (Go ’Noles!), where I majored in psychology and chemistry. I had the best time at FSU, and I truly believe it is the best school in Florida.
When did you decide to pursue an M.D. degree? Why? What inspired your decision?
My decision to pursue an M.D. was sparked at a very young age after witnessing my youngest sister and mother endure various health issues. Seeing the people I love the most at their most vulnerable solidified that I wanted to pursue a field in which I can give others a second chance, just like the medical professionals were able to give to my mother and sister. I was unsure of the process of obtaining a medical degree since no one in my family has pursued this career path, but I knew that one way or another, I was going to make it happen.
Is anyone else in your family in the health professions?
No, I will be the first in my family to be in the medical field, and also the first doctor! I come from a family of teachers and blue-collar workers. My father was a truck driver for many years and my mother is a paralegal.
What led you to NEOMED? What are your impressions so far?
My path to NEOMED has been a great one thus far. Everyone has welcomed me with open arms and are always willing to provide help as long as you’re willing to receive.
Tell me about the research you worked on in the lab of Jesse Young, Ph.D. What were you investigating?
Dr. Young and I conducted research for my MFM capstone which focused on assessing the righting reflex in preterm infant pigs. Our findings showed that there was a significant interaction between the age of the pig and their ability to perform a specific phase of the righting reflex.
You mentioned you would be working with Amy Lee, M.D. ('88), over the summer. Tell me about that project. How did that opportunity come about?
Yes, our research will be focusing on providing ways to make clinical settings more welcoming for Hispanic patients. Being a Hispanic patient myself, I believe that it is important to make clinics and hospitals as comfortable as possible for patients of all demographics. I landed this opportunity through the NEOMED Summer Fellowship Program.
And tell me about the work you were be doing with Stephanie Langel, Ph.D., at Case Western Reserve University. What were you investigating? How did that opportunity arise?
After cold emailing Dr. Langel, she provided me the opportunity to work in her lab. I was optimizing assays to detect rotavirus antibodies in breastmilk. This study is very exciting and I cannot wait to see the progress.
What are you gaining from these research experiences? What are some key takeaways for you? Do you see yourself being a physician-researcher in the future?
I am learning so much from these research experiences, not only clinical and lab skills, but also public speaking and other elements that will help me as a future physician. My key takeaway is to always be humble and willing to learn. We signed up to be life-long learners so never let your ego get in the way of that. I am unsure if I want to be a physician-researcher, but I do enjoy conducting research.
How would you describe yourself? What motivates you?
I would describe myself as a go-getter. My parents definitely taught me that you have to go out and seek what you want since nothing will just fall into your hands. I believe that I apply this to every aspect of my life because I always know what I want, and will do my very best to get it. I’d just like to add that there will be many nos or no replies at all, but don’t let that deter you from achieving what you want.
How do you relax or achieve balance?
I am still trying to achieve the optimal school-life balance, but I always make an effort to work out and if I have free time, I enjoy spending that time with friends and my boyfriend!