Dr. Marcela González is a medical doctor and Executive Hospital Director with a specialization in gastroenterology and digestive endoscopy. She is passionate about advancing gender equity in healthcare and medical leadership.
How I Became a Surgeon When No One in My Family Had Even Finished High School
I don’t think I have an extraordinary story, just a life guided by the desire to fulfill dreams. I was born into a working-class family with no educational background: no one had even finished high school. Even so, I grew up surrounded by love and with the unconditional support of my family to achieve my dream of going to university.
I had the privilege of being born in Argentina, where public education at all levels made possible what seemed unattainable. I always worked to support my studies, and once I graduated, I entered the medical residency system. I chose general surgery, without any connections or sponsors, and that path was as challenging as it was transformative.
I went through situations of constant stress, discrimination, microaggressions, mansplaining, and the famous “glass ceiling.” Added to that were very difficult personal experiences: an early divorce, family violence, raising my daughters almost single-handedly, cancer, and both personal and national economic crises.
And yet, giving up was never an option.
Today, I can say that although the path is not easy, it is always worth it. If I could do it, I am sure that many others can too.
