Meet Alexandra Lopez Vera, PhD | Medical Spanish program Director & Assistant Professor of Medical Education

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Lopez Vera, PhD and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

I always wanted to create a initiative to serve the underserved community. I wanted to have a big impact and I know that better than starting my own business, I could achieve my goal through medical Education. The idea behind my current role directing the medical Spanish program (Vida) at the California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) has been influenced by a blend of personal experiences, academic pursuits, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact in our community.

I am originally from Spain and I have had the opportunity to explore different countries like England, Ireland, Canada, and eventually the United States during my undergraduate days. These experiences gave me a unique perspective on the relationship between language and healthcare. My primary motivation is the deep-seated belief that healthcare should be accessible to all, regardless of linguistic or cultural barriers. I have witnessed firsthand how language can sometimes be a significant hurdle for individuals seeking medical care, especially in a diverse and multicultural community like Southern California.

By developing a comprehensive medical Spanish curriculum and making it an integral part of the education for future doctors, we aim to break down those language barriers and ensure that patients from Spanish-speaking backgrounds receive the care they deserve. It’s not just about facilitating communication; it’s about fostering understanding, empathy, and trust between healthcare providers and their patients. This, in turn, can lead to better health outcomes and an overall improvement in the quality of care provided.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

What distinguishes my professional journey is the big support I have always received at my institution. The accomplishment of getting medical Spanish courses as a requirement for future Student Doctors was made possible through the support and encouragement of the Dean and faculty at CUSM, as well as the collaboration of many dedicated leaders I have the privilege to work alongside.

As I approached the completion of my Ph.D., I entered the job market with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. I remember not feeling entirely confident in the application I submitted for my current position, but in retrospect, it was the start of something meaningful. When I visited CUSM for the first time, I realized that it was precisely the career path I wanted to pursue in the exact location I had envisioned. It was a moment of clarity that made me trust the process and believe in my own capabilities.

The journey hasn’t always been smooth, but the challenges I have faced along the way have taught me invaluable lessons. I have come to appreciate the importance of seizing opportunities, even when they come with initial uncertainties. Persistence, dedication, and unwavering commitment to my goals have been essential in overcoming obstacles and reaching my current professional standing. I still have a lot of goals and I will never stop learning.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

There are many things to do in the greater LA area, but let me come up with a tour:

The adventure could begin in the heart of Los Angeles, where they could immerse themselves in the vibrant public markets. Imagine being surrounded by enticing aromas and diverse food stalls, that is my favorite environment. They could start with a Brazilian BBQ, setting the tone for a culinary journey filled with dishes of the world.

Next, they could head to the scenic trails of Santa Clarita, immersing themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors. Sweeping vistas and fresh mountain air would offer a serene break from the bustling city life.

Then, Pasadena, known for its exceptional dining scene. From upscale restaurants to cozy local eateries, I also love the mixture of cultures that coexist in that area.

The journey could continue with a visit to the iconic Malibu Beach. They could spend hours strolling along the picturesque shoreline, taking in the sun and the soothing sound of waves. El Matador Beach, with its stunning sea caves and rock formations, would provide the perfect backdrop for the beachside adventure.

They could also visit renowned museums like the Getty Center or LACMA, delving into art, history, and the city’s diverse heritage.

Finally, I would recommend to explore the Inland Empire, more specifically, my favorite two places: Big Bear Lake and Redlands. The latter is the most charming town in Southern California, in my opinion.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

The person who truly deserves a significant amount of credit and recognition is my father, Paco. Despite not sharing a blood connection, Paco’s unwavering support, guidance, love, and encouragement have been the foundation of each one of my achievements. He embraced me as his daughter, and instilled in me the belief that I possess the strength and capability to accomplish anything I set my mind to. As the first person in my family to attend both college and graduate school, my parent’s guidance and encouragement were pivotal in helping me reach these milestones. Furthermore, becoming the first in my family to learn English and live abroad was a transformative experience made possible by their unwavering support and belief in my potential.

Paco battled a serious illness, and that helped me gain a profound appreciation for effective communication with healthcare providers. Though he may no longer be with us in the physical sense, I firmly believe that he continues to guide and support me. I carry part of his infinite wisdom, love, and strength with me as I pursue my passion for enhancing healthcare accessibility and ensuring that others receive the care and support they need, just as he provided for me.

Website: https://alexandralopezvera.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandralopezvera/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ThBgz7h_3ymLuTO_oOfHQ