Becoming a Physician: A CVT’s Journey

Jesús Acero was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia; he is the last of 13 children to a humble homemaker mother and a truck driver father. Jesús immigrated to the United States in 1999 together with his wife and his 3 children, in pursuit of a better life. He struggled at first with limited finances, and daunting cultural and language barriers. Jesús cites his parents as his most important role models, as they instilled in him the value of a tireless work ethic, a devotion to family, and an understanding of the value of a good education. 

Jesús decided to go back to school when he became a legal United States resident in 2004 at the age of 36. He spent his formative years in Orlando, Florida, where he first learned English. Despite his lifelong passion for pursing a medical career, at the time, Jesús considered himself too old to go to a medical school and so decided to study for an A.S in Cardiovascular Technology at Valencia College in Orlando, where he obtained the AS and AA degrees. Before his graduation, Jesús was told by the Academic Vice-President of his college that “God did not consider him too old to study medicine. He [God] will not take a rest until He sees ‘doctor’ in front of your name.” This message was shocking enough that Jesús continued his studies, leaving behind a promising career as a cath lab technologist.  

Jesús attended the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, where he majored in molecular biology and microbiology, receiving his B.S. He was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Society. He also devoted himself to his family, mentoring and tutoring his children; he has been a leader of his church’s family and sports groups for many years. 

Jesús entered medical school at 44 years of age, where he has continued to distinguish himself as a leader, be it academically or within the community, volunteering in Red Cross Mexico. He obtained his medical degree in December 2016. He has interest in research and in advanced wound healing utilizing innovative methods. Additionally, Jesús had joined a Christian Medical Society in Guadalajara, Mexico, where he participated bringing health care and a word of hope to this underserved population. Jesús, now 48 years old, serves as an inspirational person for his 4 children, his 5 grandchildren, and for many other people who seen in him an example of bravery, persistency, and love for what he pursues. He now is in the process of obtaining an internal medicine residency in the United States, and says, “I would like to share my story in Cath Lab Digest to encourage others who could be feeling the same call.”

Martha Acero is the wife of Jesús Acero.

Jesús Acero can be contacted via Rebecca Kapur, Managing Editor, Cath Lab Digest, at rkapur@hmpglobal.com.