Alyza Delgado

I had the privilege of working with Dr. Brady McKee in Radiology at Lahey Hospital, one of the most influential mentors I’ve ever had. Dr. McKee, the founder of Lung RADS, taught me more than the anatomy of a CT scan he showed me how a physician thinks, how to look at uncertainty with curiosity, and how to prioritize patient dignity at every step. I shadowed him during dictations, observed countless scans, and absorbed his advice not just about medicine, but about life, and making my mission to mitigate suffering. He encouraged me to find the corner of healthcare where I could carve my own path, contribute real value, and help people by challenging my own vulnerability. By putting myself in rooms where im not the smartest. My time with him reinforced that medicine is not just my goal it’s the environment where I think best, work hardest, and feel most at home.

As a pharmacy technician, I handled the full flow of daily prescription operations, including counting and preparing medications, being known as Ms. Anti-Expired medication, and maintaining an organized and efficient workspace. I regularly communicated with patients about prescription questions, insurance issues, and medication timing, which strengthened my communication skills and my ability to explain information clearly in stressful situations. Working closely with pharmacists allowed me to observe clinical decision making, dosing considerations, and the importance of accuracy in patient care. Learning the names, classifications, and interactions of so many medications deepened my interest in pursuing a long term career in the medical field and gave me a strong foundation in understanding patient treatment plans.

In the emergency department, I documented real time patient encounters for physicians, recorded exam findings, updated charts with diagnostic results, and ensured documentation was complete and accurate during fast paced shifts. This role required constant attention to detail and the ability to stay calm under pressure while following rapidly changing clinical situations. I gained firsthand exposure to acute medical care, multidisciplinary teamwork, and the pace and complexity of emergency medicine. The experience strengthened my medical terminology, reinforced my ability to anticipate what providers needed charted next, and showed me the importance of precise communication in patient safety. while also navigating each physicians personalized system.

I assisted Dominic Farrar in the IBM Garage, where I shadowed development sessions, observed how the team identified and worked through bugs, and learned how software and design decisions move from concept to real solutions for clients. I helped coordinate Dominic’s scheduling and supported day to day workflow management, making sure meetings, planning sessions, and client reviews ran smoothly. Being in this environment exposed me to collaborative problem solving, rapid design cycles, and the pace of innovation inside a major tech team. It also strengthened my organizational skills and my ability to communicate across different groups working on the same project.

I worked under Dr. Eric Dewar, the head of the biology department, interim Dean, and the premed program. where I assisted in a study focused on the evolution of the kneecap in animals and other species. We reviewed foundational concepts in chemistry, physics, and biology, and used the software R studio to analyze past scans and input data for comparison. Through this project, we identified patterns in bone structure development and formed hypotheses about how the kneecap changed across species over time. This role strengthened my analytical thinking, my understanding of scientific research, and my ability to interpret biological data in a broader evolutionary context.

Working alongside an academic advisor, I supported students with course planning, registration questions, and navigating academic requirements. In the testing center, I proctored exams for students with accommodations, ensured testing integrity, and coordinated scheduling with various professors. as well as maintained a calm and structured environment for students. I also helped oversee daily operations of the academic center, assisted students who walked in with questions, and led campus tours for new students. This role strengthened my interpersonal communication skills and my ability to guide people through complex processes with clarity and patience.

As a chemistry lab assistant, I prepared lab stations, organized materials, mixed reagents, and ensured equipment was ready for student use. During class sessions, I supported students by helping them follow procedures, practice safe lab habits, and understand the purpose behind each experiment. This role strengthened my own understanding of foundational chemistry concepts and gave me early teaching and mentoring experience. It also taught me how to keep a lab running smoothly while supporting students with different learning styles and comfort levels in a hands on environment.

I volunteered in a dementia care facility where I spent time with residents through simple activities such as painting nails, reading aloud, and being fully present during their day to day emotional shifts. I learned how to adapt to constant changes in mood, memory, and behavior, and I came to understand how important patience, empathy, and consistency are in memory care. This opportunity shaped my personal development in many ways. It taught me how to put my own emotions aside and show up selflessly, ready to be whatever someone needed in that moment. Walking into an unpredictable environment at eighteen pushed me to become clear minded, steady, and compassionate in situations where nothing was guaranteed. It showed me early that life is precious and that every step forward matters. I also helped with serving breakfast and dinner, supported residents during their daily routines, and built meaningful connections through conversation and companionship. This experience taught me that even the smallest interactions can greatly strengthen a persons sense of comfort and dignity, especially during vulnerable stages of life.

As a math tutor, I worked with students from basic algebra through Calculus II, and organized an AP chem support group. I offered one on one support in both the academic center, home sessions, and library hours. I tailored explanations to each student’s level, broke down complex problems into manageable steps, and helped students develop confidence in subjects they once found intimidating. Over the years, I supported a wide range of students different ages, backgrounds, and patience levels. Which taught me adaptability, how to communicate clearly, and recognize how to navigate each students individual learning styles. I motivated students to trust their own understanding. This long term tutoring experience became one of my strongest foundations in teaching, patience, and academic support.