A passion for health care and technology

Leslie Martinez is close to celebrating a significant milestone in her life as she nears the completion of her associate degree in Health Information Technology at South Texas College. 

"I chose to pursue Health Information Technology because it offers diverse opportunities to make a difference in health care,” said the 22-year-old. “Combining my interests in health care and technology allows me to contribute to improving patient care and reducing medical errors." 

Martinez’s decision was influenced by her personal experiences witnessing the financial strain her parents endured due to medical errors. This sparked her passion for exploring how technology and data management can enhance health care outcomes and alleviate financial burdens for families like hers. 

"I saw firsthand the impact of medical errors on my family's finances and it motivated me to seek ways to improve health care information systems," Martinez shared. 

Introduced to the Health Information Technology program during her first year of college, Martinez embarked on a journey of exploration and discovery, driven by her passion for health care and technology. 

Choosing STC for its accessibility, and diverse academic offerings, Martinez found the perfect environment to pursue her aspirations and pave the way for future generations as a first-generation college student. 

"As a child of immigrants, it's essential for me to convey to my parents that their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. Their support serves as my driving force to continuously pursue excellence," Martinez said. 

Drawing motivation from her parents' sacrifices and dedication as immigrants, Martinez is committed to expanding her education to honor their legacy. 

"As I approach graduation next month, I reflect on years of dedication,” said Martinez. “The anticipation of this milestone fills me with excitement, pride and nostalgia." 

Looking ahead, she offers this advice – seize every opportunity for personal and professional growth and recognize the value of extracurricular activities in addition to educational opportunities. 

"I encourage myself to embrace every opportunity that comes my way and to actively engage in extracurricular activities. These experiences help me create a well-rounded education," Martinez said. 

In the future, Martinez said she aspires to become a credentialed cancer registrar, leveraging her expertise in health information technology to make an impact on cancer patient care and research efforts. 

"As a cancer registrar, I can contribute to advancements in cancer treatment and prevention by meticulously documenting and managing crucial patient data," Martinez shared. 

As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her journey, she remains steadfast in her commitment to revolutionizing health care through technology, driven by a vision of a future where quality care is accessible to all