From Patient to Doctor: Brandon’s Journey to Match Day
We’re highlighting our Class of 2025 students in advance of Match Day on March 21. Stay connected with the Miller School of Medicine on social media for more student profiles and to follow along for live Match Day coverage.
When he was a child, Brandon Apagüeño and his family received care at Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service (DOCS) health fairs. The program, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and led by medical students, provides health services to underserved populations in South Florida.
The experience inspired Apagüeño to attend medical school so he can give back to people who need help, just like he once did.
Now, Apagüeño is finishing medical school and wrapping up his time as an executive director of the same program that helped his family.
How did your upbringing encourage your interest in medicine?
Growing up, I clearly understood the divide between the different socioeconomic classes in Miami and the health care difficulties many of these groups faced. My family’s humble origins instilled in me this theme of wanting to help those with fewer resources get to where they want to be. There wasn’t a single moment that sparked my interest in medicine, but rather a culmination of experiences growing up. My love for understanding people and their stories shaped my path.
Talk about your experience working at the Miller School before starting medical school.
After I graduated from Georgetown University with a master’s in physiology and biophysics, I became a research manager in the Miller School’s Department of Medicine. My roles ranged from collaboration with our All of Us research program to working on our partnerships with Johnson & Johnson during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this process, I got to know the university while growing my passion for the operational and administrative aspects of health care and clinical research.
Why did you choose the Miller School for your medical education?
Working at the Miller School, I saw all that the school has to offer when it came to research, facilities and education.
In addition, growing up in the Miami area, I knew firsthand how diverse the city is and how my medical education would benefit from its location. Not only is our population one of the most diverse in the U.S., but we also have individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds. By choosing the Miller School, I knew I would have a diverse experience caring for all types of people, as a well-rounded physician should.
How would you describe your time here?
I learn best through a hands-on approach, which the NextGenMD curriculum provided since the very first day. In addition, DOCS was the center of my journey in medical school. I recall going to health fairs growing up, so it has been very rewarding to be able to give back as a medical student.
When I started with DOCS, I was the clinic project manager at San Juan Bosco clinic. My role then grew as clinic director where, during that time, I founded the DOCS Rapid Access Wellness clinic with other medical students. This was a special moment, as only five student-run clinics have been officially recognized as their own DOCS clinic since the school’s establishment. Now, I serve as the executive director, overseeing all our initiatives.
What specialty do you hope to match into and why?
I hope to match into internal medicine because the specialty allows you to see the patient as a whole. Internal medicine allows me to address both the physical and social determinants of health that influence patient outcomes, providing holistic care tailored to each individual’s circumstances. Eventually, I would like to subspecialize in a more specific area, such as GI or cardiology.
How are you approaching Match Day?
I’m a believer of whatever is meant to be, will be. One goes where life takes them, and in my case, I’m feeling optimistic and excited about Match Day. I’m also especially looking forward to having my parents with me.
They have been a constant support system and they’re super happy to see all their hard work come to fruition.
What kind of physician do you envision yourself being?
I want to be a very compassionate and personable doctor who’s able to really understand their patient’s experiences and difficulties in the most effective way. Though having excellent knowledge of medicine is essential, it’s the ability to apply it with compassion and adaptability to each patient’s unique circumstances that makes a great physician.
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Tags: DOCS, Match Day, Match Day 2025, medical students, Miller School of Medicine, Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service, student leadership