Michelle Narvaez Ramos

MD/PhD student, T.H. Chan School of Medicine and Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

“I wanted to go somewhere that allowed me to explore my interests in science in a supportive, collaborative and welcoming environment. UMass Chan simply checked all the boxes for me.” 

Michelle Narváez Ramos, an MD/PhD student at UMass Chan Medical School, was born and raised in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. Her parents work as instrumentation specialists and teaching lab instructors at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and inspired her to pursue medical school. 

“I was constantly surrounded by science and research. My parents were always supportive of me in anything I did: from science to violin lessons, even if that meant they had to pick up an extra job for additional income,” said Narváez Ramos.

Narváez Ramos pursued her undergraduate degree at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez beginning when she was 16; she began her MD/PhD journey at UMass Chan before she turned 21. 

“UMass Chan caught me by surprise when I was applying! I was looking for a school that not only had amazing research and medical training but also valued my background as a Puerto Rican,” said Narváez Ramos. “I wanted to go somewhere that allowed me to explore my interests in science in a supportive, collaborative and welcoming environment. UMass Chan simply checked all the boxes for me. I’m very glad I chose UMass Chan Medical School.” 

Narváez Ramos said that her first year of medical school exposed her to specialties like gastroenterology, pediatrics and dermatology.   

“UMass Chan helps me achieve my goals by providing me a strong academic foundation and the option to explore hidden talents through volunteering, research and optional enrichment electives,” she said. “I hope sharing my story motivates other Latinas in science to chase their dreams and not let anyone discourage them!”