Her Story
About Fabiana
Fabiana Palacios is an Ecuadorian physician and the first female doctor in her family. She completed her high school and middle school education in Ecuador before traveling to Boston in 2018 for a one-year English course with EF. She then returned to Ecuador to attend the University of Aswai in Cuenca, where she completed six years of medical studies, an internship at a community hospital serving women and children, and a mandatory year of social service in the Amazon Jungle. Now living in New York, NY, because her husband is a physician there, Fabiana is advancing her career in the United States by studying for the USMLE Step 2 and participating in an observership at a cardiology clinic. She also volunteers with the Jovenes Sacham NGO, delivering education on topics including antibiotic resistance. Fabiana credits her success to her father's feminist upbringing and unwavering support, a circle of accomplished female friends, and her husband's practical assistance during her studies. In her work, she upholds the values of primum non nocere, or first do no harm, and humility, recognizing that admitting gaps in knowledge fosters greater professional growth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Fabiana
01What do you attribute your success to?
My father raised me as a feminist, treating me like a person not defined by gender. He supported me in medicine, open water swimming, and all my pursuits, always encouraging me to achieve whatever I want. I also credit my supportive group of feminist friends and my husband who cooked meals while I studied.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Resilience and bravery: when you have fear, do it anyway. Trust your gut, take risks, and don't let fear paralyze you. The brave thing is to have fear but do it anyway because it makes you grow.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Women have more skills and are more integrative in patient care with better decision-making abilities. Don't be afraid, just do it. We can run the world, but society sometimes focuses us on other things like family. Choose to pursue medicine confidently.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In the US there are many opportunities for research and investigation. However, as an IMG from Latin America, women face fewer opportunities (only 2% of IMGs are women from there). Unconscious bias around married women having children still exists. Need to be strong, self-confident, and accept opportunities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Primum non nocere - first, do no harm. Humility is key: if you don't know something, admit it without ego, study, and learn more. Being humble allows greater professional growth and experience.
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