From EMT to Physician: A Journey Inspired by Service and Compassion
The sirens blared as Daysi Torres-Vanegas and her partner raced toward a pediatric emergency — a two-year-old boy who was reportedly choking.
As they arrived at the scene, Daysi quickly realized that the child wasn’t choking at all but, instead, had suffered a seizure. Calmly and efficiently, she worked alongside her team, utilizing her training to stabilize him while interpreting vital information for the medical team in Spanish. The child was carefully transported to the hospital, and Daysi’s concern for his well-being never wavered.
Days later, as a Spanish Medical Interpreter at La Red Health Clinic, Daysi walked into an exam room to find the same boy, smiling, playing, and thriving. His mother, deeply grateful, recognized Daysi and thanked her for saving her son’s life.
“I cannot believe how fortunate we were to have you there that day,” said his mother.
“You saved his life.”
In this moment, it was clear to Daysi why she had chosen a career in medicine: to make a difference in people’s lives and help them return to health, so they can continue enjoying their lives with loved ones.
Working at the frontlines of medicine as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Spanish Medical Interpreter, Daysi became captivated by the challenges of stabilizing critical patients and providing life-saving care in high-pressure situations. But she felt limited by her training. She was sure that there was more she could be doing for her patients.
“Being an EMT opened my eyes to the realities of patient care,” explained Daysi, “but with surgical expertise, I can offer more advanced treatments and interventions.”
“As a trauma surgeon, I will be able to help my patients not just survive but truly recover, guiding them through their healing journeys with hope and compassion.”
As she approaches graduation from PNWU’s Master of Arts in Medical Sciences (MAMS) program, she hopes to use her medical career to provide comprehensive care to patients and be a pillar of support in their most vulnerable moments.
Daysi credits scholarship support as crucial to her success, enabling her to focus on her studies without the added pressure of financial concerns. “The support of PNWU donors allows me to dedicate my time and energy to reaching my academic goals while gaining the knowledge and skills I need to become a physician,” she explained.