Meet Abigail Solorio!
We are pleased to introduce you to Abigail Solorio, the Arizona Medical Association (ArMA) Member Spotlight for September. Abigail is obtaining her medical education from the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix. She is pursuing a career in primary care, with a particular interest in family medicine.
In her interview for the Member Spotlight, Abigail shares her important story of being a first-generation, underrepresented minority in medicine. If you take a moment to read about Abigail's experiences, you'll find that her passion for practicing medicine is deeply rooted, and her outlook on life is inspiring.
You can read about Abigail’s journey with medicine in the interview below! 👇
What inspires you?
My family is my greatest source of inspiration, and being a big sister has been one of my favorite roles in life. My family’s endless encouragement motivates me daily to pursue my passions. My mother instilled in me the importance of celebrating the diversity of our community and serving others with compassion, and I hope to set an example by reflecting these values in my work. I am grateful for the many lessons she has taught me; I have admired the strength, dedication, and kindness she displays in every interaction. I would not be where I am today without her unconditional love and support.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Traveling is my passion, and any chance I get, I am searching for a new adventure. I have prioritized balancing medical school, extracurricular activities, and making time to travel, explore different cultures, and create memories. I can be the best physician for my patients, a friend to my peers, and feel most fulfilled when I tend to my passions. In the past few years, I have been able to travel to Italy, Greece, Turkey, Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and more!
What is one message you would give to your 18-year-old self?
Keep your eyes on the stars and dream big! My mother instilled in me from a young age that if my heart was truly set on something, there would always be a way to achieve it, even if it seemed unreachable. The challenges that once felt impossible to overcome and experiences that felt like setbacks will propel you forward. Trust the process and when you find yourself with a seat at the table, use your voice proudly, lift others and advocate for change.
What is the one accomplishment you’re most proud of?
As a first-generation, underrepresented minority in medicine, this journey has been nothing short of a dream come true. As a first-year medical student, I had the privilege of being in the first cohort of students awarded the Primary Care Scholarship, established to address the physician shortage within Arizona by covering tuition associated with medical education, specifically for students committed to practicing primary care in an underserved community. This accomplishment represented not only the support of an entire community, one that has shaped my life and served as my motivation, but it was the culmination of the effort, love, and resiliency that has been poured into my life over the years.
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
Any day I get to spend with my family is a perfect day. We love watching movies and sharing a great meal; plus, nothing is better than enjoying ice cream together. Ending the day with gratitude, taking time to reflect, and setting aside a few moments for mindfulness is my favorite way to reset and wind down.
What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?
Practicing medicine is an honor, a privilege, and one I am humbled to call my passion. It is a position I don’t take lightly, as I believe a career in medicine comes with a responsibility to strive to improve health outcomes for all and take on a leadership role. Raised in an underserved community of immigrants facing several socioeconomic challenges, I witnessed firsthand the existing disparities and the facets of medicine that need to be addressed. The challenges we faced inspired me to dedicate my time to leadership, advocacy, and working with medically underserved communities, devoting myself to actions and progress. These past few years have affected us in more ways than one, and I am moved by the physicians who pledge to enter a field and confront the challenges in our society. I believe our community needs healing now more than ever, and I am grateful to be a part of this process. It is inspiring to come together and unite in our efforts. We have the power to advocate for change and the opportunity to bridge the gap between what is and what can be.
