Jose Andres Aguilar (PGY-1)
[he/him/his]
Categorical Track
Contact Me
Hometown
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Medical School
Universidad Francisco Marroquín
About you
I am an international medical graduate, born, raised, and trained in Guatemala City. A fun fact about me is that I am an identical twin (a recurring theme in pediatrics, as I have come to find out). I consider my twin to be my best friend. As a hobby, I enjoy learning German; there is something about the language that I really like (maybe the complexity).
Winter or Summer in Seattle:
I have not been living in Seattle for long, but I fell in love with the place since I arrived. The city life combined with outdoor and nature is truly unique to this place. There is a vast amount of parks to explore and enjoy. Everyone here does different activities during summer like running, paddle boarding, swimming, and hiking. You won’t find a place with Mt. Rainier in the background as you go to work (I feel like I am staring at a painting every single time).
Why UW/Seattle Children’s Peds?
It was the program that took a chance on me without knowing me (I hadn’t done any rotation here or knew anyone here). Apart from being a great program, it aligned with my core values. Everyone at my interview made me feel welcome and appreciated. I had the opportunity to interview with a faculty member I really admire; she shared a little of her passions and projects, and it just clicked and aligned with mine. I knew I wanted to train in a place where she was working.
Any specific interests? Residency or non-residency?
I am interested in pursuing a fellowship in pediatric critical care medicine (PICU) and academic medicine. I am passionate about helping the LGBTQ+ community, especially youth, and focusing on chronic pathologies with acute manifestations such as SLE, DM, and epilepsy
Why Seattle?
Seattle is a vibrant city. I come from a very conservative country. Here in Seattle, everyone is free to be whoever they are without any fear of repercussion. I live in Capitol Hill, and it is refreshing to watch people express themselves and be unapologetically themselves every day.
What questions would you love to answer for potential applicants?
What it is like living somewhere that can be cold. Housing/living expense expectations. An introductory understanding of the benefits that UW has to offer
What do you like to talk about/what questions do you want to answer for applicants?
Any questions you might have. I love chatting and getting to know new people with different backgrounds.