Convocation spotlight: MD '23 grad Jessica Zapata

MD '23 grad Jessica Zapata and her family. Photo supplied.

What initially drew you to this area of study?

Although I had been helping people change their lives by improving their fitness for over 15 years, it felt like I was missing something in my own personal journey and career fulfilment. At my husband Tristan's insistence and support, I applied to medicine and here I am!

What achievement, accomplishment or moment are you most proud of from your time in the program?

As a mom of four boys (ages 14, 13 and 11-year-old twins), I am most proud of the example that I set for them in achieving my goal of becoming a physician. They have seen the hard work, dedication and sacrifice that is required to make your dreams a reality and I hope that they take this into their future and apply it to all aspects of their life!

How did you stay motivated and who helped you keep going when things got tough?

I wouldn’t be here without the love and support of my husband, Tristan. He has been my constant when things have been tough and has reminded me that I am never alone on this journey.

I am also grateful to my friends and community both inside and outside of medicine who have provided everything from a shoulder to lean on to meals for my family to helping get my kids to their countless sports and activities! There are a lot of people who should be walking across that stage with me and I am eternally thankful to all of them.

What advice would you give to a student thinking of entering this program of study/specialization?

Don’t sell yourself short. Almost everyone I know thinks they're not smart enough or good enough and yet somehow here we are. Stay true to yourself and follow your passion; that’s when the magic happens!

What have you learned about yourself, and how will you use this going forward?

All too often we are told of a timeline of our life: education, career, family, retirement. But the reality is your goals, ambitions and dreams do not need to fit anyone else’s timeline. You can be as conventional or as unconventional with your life as you wish. Your ability to dream, learn and grow is ageless. In fact, it is when you stop doing those things that you age!

What comes next for you in your career/academic journey?

I am excited and grateful to be starting my residency in anesthesiology and pain medicine at the U of A on July 1.