Siblings, service, and scholarship: Childhood challenges inspire a path to pediatric medicine

When Vilma Sofia “Sofi” Caballero was a child, she saw her siblings go in and out of hospitals for debilitating asthma and other health conditions. This led to her decision to become a pediatrician.

“I realized I wanted to be a voice for children in those times of distress,” says Sofi, a second-year student at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

While her mother did everything she could to keep Sofi’s younger brother and sister comfortable during their medical emergencies— dressing them in their favorite pajamas and bringing their treasured stuffed animals—there were many things she and Sofi’s father could not do.

“My parents are from Honduras and not native English speakers. There was a language barrier between them and the doctors,” Sofi says. “Spanish was my first language too, but I was starting to learn English in school. So even though I struggled with the language, I would step in and do my best to translate. That really caught my attention, though. I realized I could help.”

Growing up, Sofi saw her parents work long hours at multiple jobs to pay rent and feed their three children.

“Days would go by when I wouldn’t see my dad because he would leave long before I woke up for school and come home far after my bedtime,” Sofi says.

Her parents could not pursue their own education but always supported their children’s success to the best of their abilities.

“Despite limited resources, my parents have never been ones to clip our wings,” Sofi says. “Their goal was for me to get an education and do what I want for a living, and they have always done all they can to make that happen. They sacrificed a lot to support me, and all it takes is to see their smiles to know I am making them proud.”

After graduating from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Sofi experienced “McGovern magic” on her first day of medical school.

“Everyone here is so personable and supportive. The school helps students succeed, and I know it will help me become the kind of physician I want to be for my patients,” she says.

In her underserved community in Houston, Sofi saw family members worry about obtaining needed health services because of their financial instability or lack of health insurance. This helped fuel her passion to serve her community one day. She has already started by volunteering at Casa Maria, a free community-based clinic in Houston, as part of the Latino Medical Student Association at McGovern Medical School.

“I am inspired by how resilient children are,” Sofi says. “They have a deeper understanding than we often realize. If you put things in a way they can understand, they can be part of the discussion. That helps you see more of what they need, and then you can better help them live a normal life or adjust to whatever new normal they might face.”

The J.W. Andrassy Endowed Scholarship helped make it possible for Sofi to follow her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor by reducing her financial stress and allowing her to focus on her studies.

In addition to helping her meet her educational expenses, the scholarship demonstrates that people are rooting for her.

“I am so thankful for this wonderful opportunity,” she says. “I am committed to doing well in medical school and becoming a great physician. Patients feel vulnerable when they come to us, and I want to be a part of helping them get back on their feet.”