Her Dream Came True

I

grew up in a rural town in Cuba called Esperanza, which means “hope” in Spanish. In many ways, that one word has defined my life.

Seeing the interactions of my family members with doctors in Cuba, who did so much with so little because they really cared, was inspiring. Their passion for medicine made me want to follow in their footsteps.

My mother and I emigrated from Cuba to the United States in 2008. I was 15 years old, spoke almost no English and carried nothing but a backpack. I remember everything about our arrival in America very vividly. I had never been outside of Cuba, and everything was so different. But adapting to a new culture, learning a new language and starting a new life shaped me into who I am today.

I had always excelled in school in Cuba, and that was part of my identity. Now when I went into a classroom, I didn’t understand a single word. Fortunately, I had high school teachers who were supportive. I also spent time in the public library doing homework and learning English. It was difficult, but I kept going, and I kept asking questions. If I had a medical appointment, I would ask the doctor, “How did you do this? How did you get here? How do I become you?”

Each step along my educational path brought me closer to my dream. My interest in gastroenterology was solidified at the Miller School, when I worked with Dr. Maria Abreu in her inflammatory bowel disease clinic and basic science research lab. Her mentorship and guidance, through our shared experiences as Cuban Americans, was formative in my career. Now, following an internal medicine residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, I am back in Miami as a fellow in gastroenterology.

Through my training and my own experiences, I have witnessed the health care barriers those from underserved communities face. My goal is to become a gastroenterologist who provides compassionate and culturally sensitive care to all my patients while bridging the health disparities that persist in our communities.

The name of my native town, Esperanza, reminds me to continue embracing who I am, where I come from and the challenges I have faced, all while moving forward with determination and a positive outlook. The advice I would give to others is this: Don’t give up. I’m glad that I didn’t give up. You never know who could become your mentor, so talk to people, ask questions, and keep on going.

Helen Bermudez, M.D. ’21, is a gastroenterology fellow. This article was adapted, in part, from an “Inside U Miami Medicine” podcast discussion with Amar R. Deshpande, M.D. ’02, Residency ’05, Fellowship ’08, professor of medicine and associate dean for education at the Miller School.

To listen to the full podcast episode, click here.