“I still remember coming to the States in the fall of 2007 and having this crazy idea/dream that one day I would be able to speak English and that maybe, just maybe, I would be proficient enough to be able to go to med school one day. It almost felt unrealistic/impossible at the time to think I could learn a new language and to go to school right after, but nothing is impossible with God. He already had plans for me. It’s very exciting and humbling to think that I'm the first Dr. Ortiz in the family. I’m just very grateful for God’s guidance and all the support I’ve had from my family and friends.”

Xavi Ortiz, SWAU 2012, Loma Linda 2017