Freddy Escorcia
Power Words
Where were you born?
Leon, Nicaragua
What school did you attend?
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (undergrad), Weill Cornell Medical College (MD, Ph.D.).
What gained you interest in the NIH?
The freedom to pursue scientific questions while caring for patients with cancer
What kind of work do you do at the NIH?
I’m a Physician Scientist. I take full advantage of the natural collaborations that develop at the NIH. Its many offerings allow me and other scientists to think creatively and better use our resources. At NIH, I have the freedom of conducting research that may in other settings be considered too high-risk for advancing my career.
What message would you like to send to young Hispanics who are considering going to college?
Don’t let anyone tell you what your limits are. Only you can define them, and then keep pushing beyond them. Just because you don’t see yourself represented doesn’t mean you cannot be the first. There is honor and power in being a pioneer. Use your power to help those coming up behind you; pay it forward.