Outside of medicine, I find joy in movement, creativity, and adventure. Acroyoga is my passion —what began with L-basing has grown into standing acrobatics, and my dream is to master handstands and hand-to-hand balancing. I also enjoy weightlifting, exploring the open road on my motorcycle, and the occasional escape room challenge. For me, movement and play are ways to connect, discover, and bring lightness into life.

Creativity is another thread that runs through my life. In the past I loved jewelry making and wire weaving, and more recently I’ve been exploring drawing, photography, and video-making. Building a professional social media presence has been unexpectedly fun because it allows me to integrate creativity into my work. I also enjoy eclectic board games, Texas Hold’em, and experimenting in the kitchen with healthy recipes that reflect my approach to nutrition.

Travel and cultural exchange have been some of my greatest teachers. Growing up, I was surrounded by different languages and cultures—my mom is from Brazil and spoke Portuguese at home, while my dad’s work with the Hispanic community gave me the chance to grow up speaking Spanish. That foundation showed me how language can be a bridge into people’s lives and perspectives.

Later, I backpacked through South America on a three-month service trip, volunteering in Argentina, Brazil, and Peru to teach English, support children, and work in community kitchens. Those experiences opened my eyes to the power of service—how helping others builds community and creates real change in the world. I’ve also had the chance to experience Japan, where I was struck by the culture’s deep respect for others, the seamless efficiency of transportation, and the pride woven into everyday work and food. From tea ceremonies to spotless streets, to the joy of ramen, curry, and Hokkaido ice cream, Japan left me with lasting impressions. Learning Japanese has been far harder than the Spanish and Portuguese I grew up with, but every word feels like a bridge into a beautiful culture.

I love trying new things, expanding my horizons, and embracing both challenge and curiosity. These remind me that life is about building bridges—whether through movement, creativity, service, or travel—that connect us more deeply with ourselves, one another, and with the world around us.