First-Gen Physician

University of Illinois College of Medicine student Andres Gascon is the first in his family to attend medical school. Now, he's giving back to the community that helped him get there.

What inspired your interest in Medicine?

My first memories interacting with the health care system were from my brother’s leukemia diagnosis and watching my grandma deal with health issues when she came from Mexico. There weren’t many providers who spoke Spanish, so my grandma needed us to go to appointments with her. That drove my desire to go into medicine.

Why University of Illinois College of Medicine?

I went to UIC for my undergraduate degree and received great help from UIC’s Hispanic Center of Excellence (HCOE). No one in my family is a physician, so the process was a mystery to me. Thanks to the HCOE, I felt supported. They helped navigate my pre-med program, assisted in my medical school application, provided mock interviews, and connected me with students who went through the process.

I’m currently copresident of the Latino Medical Association, and we work very closely with the HCOE hosting events and providing mentoring for undergraduates. I’m passionate about helping pre-med students the way I was helped; it’s my way of giving back to my community.

Advice for first-year med students?

The first weeks are an adjustment. I had moments when I thought, they made a mistake letting me in. But you learn how to study better, to use different resources. I look back on where I was at orientation, and it’s surprising how much I’ve grown. My advice: have self-confidence. If you were admitted, you have the tools you need to succeed.