For Tabitha Baca, becoming a doctor has always been a dream.
Growing up in Mexico City, she saw disparities in healthcare firsthand and felt inspired to create change.
On why she wanted to become a doctor, Tabitha Baca said, “I’ve actually known since I was three, I don’t have any healthcare professionals in my family, but I’ve always loved helping people.
“Growing up in Mexico City, I saw a lot of disparity, and I wanted to be part of the change.”
After living in Miami, studying at the University of Florida, and working in public health and global health organizations, Tabitha decided to pursue her dream of medicine through The University of Queensland Ochsner Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.
“The structure of two years in Australia and two years in the U.S. was a breath of fresh air,” she said.
Having lived in Australia before, the program felt like the perfect fit, especially since it allowed her to be close to her partner’s family in Australia and her own family in the US.
Tabitha’s time in Australia brought lifelong friendships and valuable perspectives.
“Two of my closest friends now are from UQ-Ochsner and UQ’s domestic students. One even invited me to her wedding this December.
“Having this global network of colleagues will be invaluable, especially as I pursue my career in global health,” she said.
At Ochsner, Tabitha embraced clinical training that exposed her to complex public health challenges and deepened her passion for advocacy.
“It’s been really cool to be in New Orleans and Louisiana. We see how infrastructure and public health issues impact health and daily lives,” she said.
Her work has extended to addressing health disparities, particularly for minorities in medicine.
As the recipient of the Perla S. Gil, MD Scholarship, Tabitha proudly advocates for diversity in healthcare.
“Latinas make up over 19% of the U.S. population but only 5% of the healthcare workforce. Latina women are just 2.5%. I’m excited to help bump those numbers up,” she said.
Tabitha is eager to enter emergency medicine, a field she finds practical and inspiring.
“Emergencies happen worldwide, so it’s perfect for someone interested in international work,” she said.
With gratitude for her family’s sacrifices and unwavering support, Tabitha feels this achievement is a shared triumph.
“This is a community achievement. I’m doing it for my family, my people, and to advocate for marginalized communities,” she said
Reflecting on her journey, Tabitha offered some advice to future medical students: “Don’t feel bad for taking time off, going on trips, or taking a break from studying.
“Prioritize yourself and enjoy the process. Med school isn’t just about studying—it’s about the journey,” she said.
