- Written by AnaMaria Bech
- Published in Wellness
Kamill del Toro Cardona - Doctor of the Month - December
What inspired you to study medicine?
I decided to pursue a career in science. The practical application of clinical sciences was always more rewarding. A career in medicine allows me to be part of my patients’ lives, educate, soothe, and advocate for my community.
What are you most passionate about in your profession?
I am proud to know that my knowledge can help alleviate suffering and that I serve as a resource to my colleagues.
Why did you choose pediatric cardiology?
Pediatric cardiology focuses on congenital heart problems. When the heart does not form usually, it can be as simple as a hole in the heart that resolves without intervention or complex malformations that require multiple surgeries. I have patients who have not been born and patients who are twenty years old. Some are entirely cured, and others will need treatment for the rest of their lives. Over the last forty years, our interventions have produced adults who fifty years ago would not have survived childhood.
Is there any condition that predominates in the patients you see?
I see many patients with murmurs, an extra sound in the heart. If there is a pathological murmur, we do an echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart, to detect a problem.
What do you recommend to people as a preventative method for that condition or health in general?
There are women with diseases who are at high risk of having children with heart problems. The most common is diabetes, with several studies confirming that having well-controlled sugar prevents heart problems in the fetus.
What advice do you give to young immigrants or minority groups in the US who dream of studying health careers?
Health workers who understand our community’s language and culture can improve its health. In medicine, there are equal opportunities for those with interest and aptitude. I recommend looking for mentors, whether they are teachers, doctors in the community, or Latino development groups.
