About Hector

I grew up in California’s Central Valley in a farmworking family, where I learned early what resilience, grit, and community really mean. Those experiences shaped everything about who I am and why I care so deeply about helping others find their path in medicine. I was the first in my family to go to college, worked in the grape fields as a teenager, and carried those lessons with me through every step of my premed journey. The few mentors I did have were instrumental in helping me believe that this dream was possible, and their support inspires the way I mentor students today. My path to medical school was far from linear. I retook the MCAT and went from a 493 to a 517, took four gap years, and ultimately earned 17 medical school acceptances. Those years taught me perseverance, strategy, and how to turn setbacks into strengths. Today, I am a fourth-year medical student at Stanford School of Medicine and have served three terms on the MD Admissions Committee. I’ve also mentored dozens of premeds through applications, interviews, and personal storytelling. My approach is simple: I meet you where you are, learn who you are, and help you show up as the strongest, clearest version of yourself on paper and in person. No two applicants are the same, and I value building real relationships with students so their applications reflect not just what they’ve done, but who they are becoming. If you are looking for a coach who understands what it means to overcome obstacles, reinvent your path, and pursue medicine with heart, I would love to work with you.