“I was a big athlete growing up. I loved spending my time both watching and playing sports. In high school, I played baseball, and I was a wrestler. I found incredible enjoyment in these opportunities as they kept me physically active, healthy, and out of trouble.

Upon graduating high school, I decided to attend Salt Lake Community College with not much of an idea of what I wanted to pursue. However, it was during my first semester of college when I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Although this experience challenged me in many ways, it also exposed me to the fascinating field of medicine.

During this time, I was met by the sarcoma team at Huntsman Cancer Institute. It was here where I became amazed by the knowledge and dedication each physician had and it immediately inspired me. From this moment on, I knew that if I were to survive this disease, I would want to use my own experience to advocate and care for patients as a future physician.

Despite not having the “perfect” academic background, I rose to the challenge by pushing myself to become a more efficient student. Upon earning my A.S. at the community college, I transferred to the University of Utah where I graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in recreational therapy. I was then fortunate enough to start medical school the following year.

Before medical school, I was working as an inpatient phlebotomist and as a recreation therapist. By being part of the Intermountain Health Population Health Student Scholars Program, I hope to learn more about how community dynamics affect health outcomes in varying patient populations.

Additionally, I hope to understand more about healthcare disparities and inequalities within medically underserved populations. This will allow me to confidently care for a wider range of patients within my community. In the future, I plan on caring for a diverse group of patients within a community hospital or clinic while also mentoring or teaching other students and healthcare professionals.

As a cancer survivor and first-generation college and medical student, I hope to use my story as a way to motivate others from similar backgrounds to pursue their dreams, regardless of life’s obstacles. I believe it is the obstacles I have faced that have brought, and continue to bring, meaning and purpose to my journey.”

— Adrian Portillo, a 24-year-old student at the University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine

(anticipated class of 2027) from West Valley City, Utah