Can you share your professional journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in microbiology and immunology?
My journey began with earning a BS in Bacteriology in 1977 from the University of Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia. I spent over three years at the Medical Mycology Reference Laboratory at the Corporacion de Investigaciones Biologicas (CIB) in Medellin. Later, I pursued an MS and a PhD in Microbiology-Immunology at the University of Oklahoma. My postdoctoral research took me to the University of Bern in Switzerland, where I joined the virology vaccine group at Berna Biotech, leading the In-Process Control laboratory. In 1998, I returned to the U.S. as a research associate at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, studying the pathogenesis and immune responses to a systemic fungal infection caused by B. dermatitidis. By 2004, I was at the Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center at LSU-HSC in New Orleans, overseeing the Immunology Core. In January 2012, I joined AUC as an assistant professor in medical microbiology and immunology, and in 2014, I was promoted to associate professor.
My inspiration came from my father, an infectious disease specialist and founder of the microbiology department at the University of Antioquia. Working with many wonderful professors, including my mentor Dr. Angela Restrepo, solidified my passion for microbiology.
How has your background shaped your teaching, and how do you apply your professional experience to make learning more engaging for your students?
As an undergraduate and then as a graduate student, I worked as part of a team. From early on, I was inspired to share my knowledge. Collaborating is a satisfying experience and has shaped my teaching and how I approach the diverse population at AUC.
How do you keep up with the latest in microbiology and immunology, and how do you bring that fresh knowledge into your classes?
I stay updated by participating in conferences organized by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), Infectious Diseases Society, and Immunology Society. I also subscribe to journals like New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of Infectious Diseases, and ASM Microcosm, ensuring that my students receive the most current information.
As the advisor for the LMSA, how do you support and empower Hispanic students in their medical careers?
I meet regularly with the members of the U.S. board to obtain important information for our students, including scholarship opportunities, international meetings, information on rotations, and educational meetings. LMSA membership is growing every semester, and I’m committed to supporting their success.
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15 this year. Can you tell us about any celebrations the LMSA is planning?
LMSA has many activities planned during Hispanic Heritage Month and throughout the semester, traditionally including a group
Your research has focused on immune responses to diseases. How do you see your work contributing to better health outcomes for the Hispanic community?
Coming from Colombia, I understand the need to solve health issues of particular concern to Hispanic communities. I focused on two diseases with high prevalence in Latin American communities: fungal infections endemic to South America and liver infection hepatitis A.
In collaboration with many other researchers in Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico, our understanding of the endemic mycosis has contributed to better outcomes for the population. Hepatitis A is especially alarming in the native communities when it infects small children. As part of my research at the University of Bern, I developed a lab test to identify active infections. I was part of the delegation invited to teach this assay to the laboratories in Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Colombia.
At AUC, the students and faculty help in the Community Action Day. The LMSA students organize activities in the Sint Maarten areas with a large Spanish-speaking population.
What are some of the specific health care challenges the Hispanic community faces, and how can future physicians help tackle these issues?
The major challenges include a lack of physicians who speak their language and understand their culture. Increasing the number of Hispanic students in medical schools is crucial. I see the increase in our Hispanic student population, and that is rewarding.
What new research projects or initiatives are you excited about—especially ones that could have a direct impact on the Hispanic community?
LMSA group actively participates in Community Action Day, and we encourage English-speaking students to attend the Medical Spanish workshops. The ability to speak Spanish is increasingly important in many areas of the U.S. and helps patients and physicians communicate effectively.
What advice would you give to students who are passionate about pursuing a career in medical research?
Focus on your academics during your time in Sint Maarten. Wait on pursuing advanced research until your clinical rotations. Concentrate on building a strong foundation in your studies first.
Tell us about a couple of your favorite, most rewarding moments working with students at AUC.
Every day is rewarding, from seeing students grasp complex concepts to watching them become outstanding physicians. One memorable moment was meeting a former student, now a physician, while my husband was undergoing a procedure in the U.S. It was emotional and demonstrated the impact we have on our students’ lives.
What do you think sets AUC apart when it comes to providing an exceptional education and preparing students to become compassionate physicians?
During my interview at AUC in 2011, I felt the enthusiasm of the faculty and staff. They really want to help students achieve their goal to become physicians. There was a real sense of pride about giving students the resources to become physicians. The university has a well-prepared faculty and staff who care about the students and their success.
AUC is more than a medical school; it’s a community where experienced faculty like Dr. Finkel-Jimenez are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of well-rounded, compassionate physicians. If you’re passionate about making a difference in health care, AUC offers the education, support, and opportunities you need. Don’t wait—take the first step toward your future and contact us or start your application today.
