Jose De Jesus: Applying What Works to Solve Health Problems

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Jose De Jesus’ grandmother had to cook Puerto Rican “mofongo” (Puerto Rican dish) on a large enough scale to nourish him and his six siblings.

In the same way, a successful health intervention or program needs to be applied in order for people to receive the health benefits.

That’s why De Jesus wants to tackle health disparities by applying and implementing proven programs to bring things like cancer prevention and physical activity to kids and families.

He’s already helped many people in need as a health educator by working on several social issues, such as homelessness, criminal justice, mental health, and job development.

The elimination of cancer health disparities is his newest passion.

That’s why De Jesus applied for the Éxito! Latino Cancer Research Leadership Training program, which recruits 25 master’s-level students and professionals for a five-day Summer Institute to promote doctoral degrees and careers studying Latino cancer. Éxito! is led by Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez at UT Health San Antonio, with support from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

De Jesus’ confident drive and “cabeza dura” (stubbornness) will continue to take him far in reaching his goals, as will his Éxito! experience.

He says Éxito! has given him a “jump start” on his goals.

Editor’s Note: This is the story of a graduate of the 2016 Èxito! Latino Cancer Research Leadership Training program. Apply now.