In the video above, Paula Flores Perez ’26 MD, talks about how coming to Yale School of Medicine was a chance to grow, explore, and imagine new possibilities for her future.

“Thanks to the support of my financial aid here at Yale, I feel like I’ve been able to explore all of my interests thoroughly before deciding on a career in plastic and reconstructive surgery,” she says. 

Perez’s path to medicine has always been driven by ambition and curiosity. As an undergraduate, she began thinking seriously about how far she could go—both academically and as a leader.

“Ever since I started undergrad, my goal has always been to achieve the highest level of education possible,” Perez says.

At Yale, she’s found the space and resources to aim high. She has said yes to opportunities across disciplines, like extracurricular research and being an art tour guide for medical students. 

“I was able to fully immerse myself in the world that is Yale,” Perez says.  

That kind of immersion—academic, social, and creative—has helped Paula confirm her interest in plastic and reconstructive surgery, a field that demands both precision and artistry. At the same time, it’s helped her envision the kind of physician and leader she hopes to become.

“Thanks to your support, I’m able to pursue my studies at Yale and try to become the leader that I’ve always dreamt of being.”