Suzette M. Arias Mejias

Why did you choose research as a career?

I believe research is very important, as it is a way of going further than we have ever been before and improving the current standard of care. Without research, medicine would be very far from what we know today.

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences?

Research is an essential part of Mayo Clinic, which gives me the opportunity not only to grow in terms of research but to do so in the areas of health that I love the most. At the same time, having experienced faculty members aid me in the process is a huge privilege.

Why did you choose the clinical and translational science track?

As a physician-to-be, I want to be able to integrate research into the clinical practice. The clinical and translational science track focuses in just that: forming professionals into independent researchers in their fields while they work on projects that translate into improving patient care.

I am confident that this experience will improve my understanding of how to conduct research. This will be key for me in the development of projects in the future, as well as for interpreting others' scientific articles.

What do you like about Rochester?

I like that Rochester, due to Mayo Clinic, is a multicultural place. There is so much you can learn here, not only about science but also about people and other cultures. I also like that Rochester is a very familiar and safe place to live in.

What are your plans for the future?

My plan is to graduate medical school at the University of Puerto Rico and then pursue a residency program that promotes the combination of patient care with ongoing research.