Our founder
Maria Eugenia Mulero Morales, MD was born and raised in Ponce, P.R. She achieved her bachelor's degree in science, majoring in Biology at the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Campus, completed her medical degree at Ponce Health Sciences University, and is currently a fifth-year General Surgery resident at Saint Luke's Episcopal Medical Center.
This is my story
Medical school presented many obstacles for me. I was in a five-year program, failed Step 1, and had average grades to list a few. So when I fell in love with General Surgery, I knew it would be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve a match.
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To make matters worse, I went through all these difficulties in silence and alone, afraid of the taboo related to failing in such a prestigious career where you are expected to be perfect. I would look around in class and assume everyone was going through it all flawlessly and wonder if I was the only one struggling. I felt like I didn't fit the mold of an ideal medical student.​
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It took time for me to realize that my journey was just that: MINE. And it was going to be different from everyone else's. I couldn't compare myself to others, as hard as that was, because I was on my own timeline.
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Every single obstacle made me grow as a person and as a physician which led to my becoming a qualified candidate.
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After completing a Preliminary year, I was matched into a General Surgery residency program and am now a senior resident.
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As I moved forward, I always thought back to those times when I felt ashamed and uncertain of what to do. I wanted to create the program I wish existed while I was going to medical school. I needed a program where I wouldn't feel judged; that would provide me with guidance and an example of someone who struggled but made it through and is accomplishing their dream. I wanted to relate my own story so others would learn from my mistakes and find comfort in my progress.
I wanted a space where medical students wouldn't feel alone and to tell them: It's going to be okay.
A program for the underdogs.
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To accomplish this, I was going to need some help. I called up friends from varying specialties, all whom overcame their own obstacles, each one equally as eager to share their stories. And the program began...
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I am so proud of this initiative and am honored to be part of YOUR journey.
