Juan Lertora
Power Words
Where were you born?
Corrientes, Argentina
What school did you attend?
Faculty of Medicine, National University of the Northeast, Argentina (M.D.); Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana (Ph.D. in Pharmacology)
What gained you interest in the NIH?
The NIH is the premier biomedical research institution in the USA and it also serves as a model for biomedical research around the world. It provides research support and training opportunities for physicians and non-physician scientists and in doing so contributes to progress in understanding human diseases and finding new treatments and cures.
What kind of work do you do at the NIH?
I work in the field of Clinical Pharmacology, teaching and implementing the principles of new drug development and rational use of medications for the treatment of human diseases. I also serve as a teacher and mentor to medical students, graduate students pursuing a Ph.D. degree, and postdoctoral fellows in training at the NIH. In addition, I serve as a consultant to clinical investigators at the NIH and collaborate in the design and implementation of clinical research protocols.
What message would you like to send to young Hispanics who are considering going to college?
Obtaining advanced education and a college degree is very important if you want to be a leader. It is essential to graduate from college if you wish to pursue a profession in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, biomedical research, law, engineering, computer sciences, economics and many other professions. Set your personal and educational aims high and persevere in your work. Maintain a sense of optimism and keep in mind that the future depends on creative minds and those able to bring people from all backgrounds together in the pursuit of the common good and the health of society.