Chief Residents

I’m originally from Colombia, where I completed medical school before moving to the United States to pursue clinical research at the Mayo Clinic. Like many international medical graduates, my journey to residency wasn’t straightforward, but every challenge strengthened my determination to become a physician in the U.S. Looking back, I never imagined that Florence, Alabama, would become the place I call home.

At North Alabama Medical Center, I found much more than excellent clinical training. The early autonomy, diverse pathology, and supportive faculty helped me grow into a confident internist, while the mentors, colleagues, and friendships I built here made this community feel like family. Throughout residency, I have pursued my passion for Infectious Diseases through clinical care, research, quality improvement, and medical education, and I hope to continue that journey by pursuing an Infectious Diseases fellowship after residency.

It is an incredible honor to serve as an Internal Medicine Chief Resident. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of our program and to continue growing as a leader. Outside of medicine, I enjoy running, cheering for my favorite soccer teams, journaling, and collecting flowers. Florence will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will always be grateful for the people and connections that made it feel like home.

I’m originally from Costa Rica, a country known for its 'Pura Vida' spirit—an expression that reflects warmth, gratitude, and a joyful way of living. When I started interviewing for residency programs in the United States, I hoped to find a place where I could grow not only as a physician but also as a person. From my very first interaction with this program, I felt I had found the right place, and my experience here has only confirmed that.

Over the past few years, Florence has become my home. Living just minutes from the hospital, surrounded by kind people and genuine Southern hospitality, has made the transition to a new country much easier than I ever imagined. What has impressed me most is the balance between strong clinical training and a supportive environment. The autonomy, procedural experience, and hands-on learning have challenged me every day while giving me the confidence to become a better physician.

One of the most meaningful moments of my residency was being selected as Chief Resident, which has allowed me to give back to the program that has given me so much. I’ve also built friendships with colleagues from around the world, learned about different cultures, shared unforgettable experiences, and discovered foods I had never tried before. Looking back, I know choosing this program was the right decision. Watching it continue to grow—including the addition of its own fellowship program—makes me even more proud to have trained here.

I graduated from medical school in Argentina before continuing my residency training in the United States. Looking back, one of the things I appreciate most about my residency experience has been the balance between autonomy and mentorship. The close-knit atmosphere has also allowed me to build meaningful relationships with my colleagues, making residency both professionally rewarding and personally enjoyable.

One of the biggest surprises during my training has been experiencing the level of medical care and the access to resources available to both physicians and patients. Working in this environment has broadened my perspective on medicine and shown me a more comprehensive and holistic approach to patient care. It has challenged me to think beyond diagnosis and treatment alone, emphasizing multidisciplinary collaboration, preventive care, and the importance of addressing every aspect of a patient's well-being.

Outside of residency, Florence offers the opportunity to enjoy a slower pace of life in a welcoming and safe community. I have especially appreciated the genuine southern kindness and hospitality, which made the transition to a new country feel much easier. It is a place where it is easy to maintain a healthy work-life balance while enjoying the charm and tranquility of a small town.