From Puerto Rico to Miami: An Aspiring Physician-Scientist’s Pathway
The Class of 2028 will make its formal entry into the medical field at the John G. Clarkson White Coat and Freshman Pinning Ceremony on August 23. Follow along as we highlight members from the incoming class.
Southwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, lies the small town of Corozal, where Andrea Newman-Rivera spent most of her childhood. From her grandparent’s small bakery to learning English and Spanish simultaneously, Newman-Rivera has fond memories of the island. She moved back to Corozal at 14 after a few years in Ames, Iowa.
That move slowly shaped her pursuit of an M.D./Ph.D. degree at the Miller School.
“We moved back because my grandfather needed dialysis and my grandmother didn’t drive,” Newman-Rivera said. “I had to re-learn Spanish and readjust to a different environment. But honestly, it was the best thing that could have happened to me. It made me appreciate how different resources and opportunities vary depending on where you live. I also learned that, while your environment can shape your opportunities, it’s up to you to make the most of them.”
Finding the Right Fit in Medicine
Although Newman-Rivera was first introduced to medicine through her grandfather’s health struggles, it wasn’t until her time at Johns Hopkins University that she envisioned a career in the field. Initially enrolling as a chemical engineering major, she soon realized it wasn’t the right fit.
“Chemical engineering felt distant from people, focusing more on industry, factories and large-scale processes, rather than on human interactions,” Newman-Rivera said. “I wasn’t sure what to do, so I started doing research in a kidney lab, partly because of my grandfather’s condition. I reached out to nephrologists at Johns Hopkins, and Dr. Hamid Rabb responded, giving me the opportunity to work in his lab for over four years.”
This experience was pivotal for Newman-Rivera. Her mentors in the lab were M.D/Ph.D. scientists who inspired her to not only pursue medicine but incorporate a research perspective. Newman-Rivera ended up double-majoring in molecular/cellular biology and public health studies, continuing her work in the lab after graduation. She spent 10 months in Honduras on a Fulbright Scholarship conducting public health research before taking the next step toward medical school.
Pursuing Passions and Giving Back
When it came time to apply to medical schools, Newman-Rivera focused on the Miller School due to its proximity to her family in Puerto Rico and the opportunity to stay connected to her roots through Miami’s Latino community. Her experience at Johns Hopkins also inspired her to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. degree through the Miller School’s Medical Scientist Training Program.
“I’m passionate about research and this program offers structured training that bridges research and clinical medicine,” Newman-Rivera said. “Here, I can learn how to design experiments that make a real difference and not just answer interesting questions. It’s a long journey, but I’m excited for it.”
Newman-Rivera is currently undergoing her first research rotation in the labs of Alessia Fornoni, M.D., Ph.D., Katz Professor of Medicine and chief of the Katz Family Division of Nephrology and Hypertension. There, Newman-Rivera continues her work on kidney research.
As Newman-Rivera prepares for the White Coat Ceremony, she feels secure in her decision to pursue medicine.
“This experience has been full of significant moments and I’m proud to be a part of it,” Newman-Rivera said. “Going through this dual degree will bring me closer to my ultimate goal to return to Puerto Rico as a physician-scientist and help foster a learning environment at the University of Puerto Rico. I want to raise awareness of the M.D./Ph.D. path, contribute to the academic community and serve as a clinician. I hope to teach and inspire others, making a difference back home.”
Tags: John G. Clarkson White Coat and Freshman Pinning Ceremony, M.D./M.P.H. Program, medical education, medical students