Sebastian Leon

As the Surgery Simulation/Research Fellow, I assumed a pivotal role in enhancing educational initiatives and refining the training experience of general surgery interns. My responsibilities encompassed the development and implementation of a comprehensive intern simulation curriculum. This included orchestrating simulation sessions covering diverse surgical procedures such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, hand-sewn intestinal anastomosis, vascular anastomosis, ostomy creation, trauma and critical care. Resourcefulness was key as I devised cost-effective, do-it-yourself solutions to replicate anatomical regions, thereby facilitating hands-on manual skills training. Further, I spearheaded the robotic surgery curriculum, curating simulated modules and overseeing residents' proficiency before their immersion in "robotics heavy" rotations. Collaborating closely with esteemed faculty, I organized simulation sessions and crafted didactic presentations for various modules.

During a hands-on observership in the surgical intensive care unit, I collaborated closely with physicians spanning internal medicine, cardiovascular surgery, and critical care to provide comprehensive care for patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures. This included assisting in cases such as aortic valve replacement and repairing congenital heart defects. I gained insights into the inderdisciplinary approach to managing patients undergoing major surgery. This experience was profoundly rewarding, underscoring the impactful role of physicians in patients' lives. I vividly recall comforting a nervous patient before anesthesia induction, witnessing the immediate transformation in their demeanor. This taught me the paramount importance of empathy in medicine, emphasizing the need to understand and address patients' vulnerabilities. Additionally, I learned to navigate the complexities of critical care medicine, including the management of postoperative complications and appropriate coordination of care.

Founded "Escalada entre Amigos" (Climbing Among Friends), a mountain climbing/hiking club, fostering community engagement and promoting Ecuador's natural beauty. Led 10 weekend hiking trips in the Andes, conquering 8 summits. Organized logistics and researched attainable summits, fostering personal growth and resilience. Learned the value of responsible outdoor recreation and gained a new perspective on overcoming challenges. This experience highlighted the metaphorical journey of life as akin to climbing a mountain, emphasizing the importance of determination in overcoming obstacles. Additionally, it instilled in me a deep appreciation for teamwork, as each climb required collaboration and support among club members. Through this endeavor, I also honed my leadership skills, effectively coordinating schedules, resources, and safety measures to ensure memorable and safe experiences for all participants.

As a surgical assistant to a plastic surgeon, I participated in preoperative evaluations for both elective and emergent cases. This role provided me with valuable insights into operating room protocols and refined my manual dexterity in suturing techniques and surgical field exposure. I gained proficiency in assessing patients for elective plastic surgery, with particular attention to psychosocial considerations. Additionally, I had the privilege of assisting in gender reaffirming surgeries, where I witnessed the multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Collaborating with specialists in psychiatry, psychology, and endocrinology underscored the importance of comprehensive patient evaluation and highlighted the emotional complexities inherent in gender reaffirming procedures. This experience deepened my appreciation for the holistic care of diverse patient populations and reinforced the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in achieving optimal surgical outcomes.

During our second volunteer visit to the rural Andean community, we prioritized follow-up care for patients identified during our initial screening. I played an active role in contacting and visiting these patients, conducting blood pressure and glucose measurements, and providing individualized medical advice. Additionally, I delivered educational sessions on the importance of diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications to enhance community health. This experience underscored the significance of patient follow up and ongoing education in rural healthcare settings, where limited access to medical services and cultural misconceptions about disease often lead to poor health outcomes, Witnessing the challenges of rural medicine firsthand, I recognized the importance of cultural competency in ensuring patient adherence to treatment and lifestyle modifications, highlighting the necessity for holistic and culturally sensitive approaches to healthcare delivery.

I collaborated closely with a US specialized, board-certified nephrologist, gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of nephrology care. This included visiting hemodialysis centers, assisting in AV fistula creation, and learning about chronic kidney disease management. I actively participated in morning rounds, honing my skills in managing elctrolyte and fluid imbalances. This experience deepened my understanding of complex patient management, including indications and contraindications for renal replacement therapy. Additionally, I developed proficiency in presenting cases to senior physicians and enhanced my history-taking and physical examination skills. Recognizing the importance of medication reconciliation, especially in order patients with polypharmacy, I became adept at identifying and mitigating drug interactions and adverse effects that can precipitate acute decompensations.

During our second volunteer visit to the rural Andean community, we prioritized follow-up care for patients identified during our initial screening. I played an active role in contacting and visiting these patients, conducting blood pressure and glucose measurements, and providing individualized medical advice. Additionally, I delivered educational sessions on the importance of diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications to enhance community health. This experience underscored the significance of patient follow up and ongoing education in rural healthcare settings, where limited access to medical services and cultural misconceptions about disease often lead to poor health outcomes, Witnessing the challenges of rural medicine firsthand, I recognized the importance of cultural competency in ensuring patient adherence to treatment and lifestyle modifications, highlighting the necessity for holistic and culturally sensitive approaches to healthcare delivery.

During this clinical rotation in a prominent ophthalmology center in Quito, Ecuador, I gained comprehensive experience in diagnosing ocular diseases and conducting basic clinical exams. I learned to proficiently utilize various eye examination tools such as slit lamps, ophthalmoscopes, and intraocular pressure devices. Additionally, I served as a surgical assistant, participating in procedures including cataract surgery, intraocular lens implants, pterygium surgery, retrobulbar anesthetic block, retina photocoagulation, refractive surgery, glaucoma surgery and eyelid surgery. This rotation deepened my understanding of ocular manifestations of systemic diseases and underscored the significance of empathy in patient care. Observing the attending physician's communication with patients, I recognized the importance of fostering a sense of safety and understanding during medical interactions.