Alexandra Conde Toro: An Èxito! Grad Who Values Patients’ Health History…and Their Stories

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Editor’s Note: This is the story of a graduate of the 2014 Èxito! Latino Cancer Research Leadership Training program. Apply now for the 2015 Èxito! program.

Alexandra Conde ToroAlexandra Conde Toro
Santa Rosa Bay, Puerto Rico

Alexandra Conde Toro has a heart for hearing and understanding people’s stories—characteristics she developed in her native Bayamón, Puerto Rico, a culture infused with the joy and encouragement of families, folk music, and stories.

Conde Toro uses her passion for her community to address health problems they suffer.

Conde Toto, who has a bachelor’s degree in human biology from The University of Puerto Rico, Bayamon Campus, is currently pursuing a master’s degree in research and evaluation of health systems at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Science Campus.

She has experience working on health disparities as a graduate research assistant at the Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Her mentor there encouraged Condo Toro to apply for the Éxito! Latino Cancer Research Leadership Training program, which offers a five-day summer institute and internships to encourage master’s-level students and health professionals to pursue a doctoral degree and a cancer research career.

She said the program is motivating her toward a doctoral program.

Éxito! has provided me with the direction and guidance on applying for a doctoral program, and they help answer many of my questions and doubts regarding the process of applying. In addition, Éxito! has given me the confidence and passion to accomplish my goals.”

Éxito!, a program funded by the National Cancer Institute and directed by the Institute for Health Promotion Research (IHPR) at The UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, will select 20 master’s-level students and health professionals from across the nation to attend a five-day summer institute in June 2015, in San Antonio, offering research information, tools, tips, role models and motivation to encourage participants to pursue a doctoral degree and a career studying how cancer affects Latinos differently. Participants also are eligible to apply for one of several internships. Apply here.

By The Numbers By The Numbers

25.1

percent

of Latinos remain without health insurance coverage

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