WHERE ARE THEY NOW? GABY VARGAS, MD
I completed my residency in 2012, after obtaining both my undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Utah. Initially, I hadn't planned on pursuing a career in surgery until I rotated on the general surgery service as a medical student. Dr. McGreevy, who I was assigned to during my rotation, suggested I consider becoming a surgeon instead of a pediatrician, planting the seed for my future.
When I met with Dr. Courtney Scaife, the third-year medical student clerkship director, for advice on planning my fourth-year schedule, she encouraged me to follow my passion for surgery, telling me, "If you want to be a surgeon, become a surgeon." This guidance was exactly what I needed to hear.
My time in general surgery residency was challenging, but what stands out most to me are the friendships and camaraderie I experienced. Despite personal hardships, including my only parent's complex medical issues, my classmates and mentors provided unwavering support. Through residency, I not only honed my surgical skills but also grew as an individual, thanks to the remarkable faculty who trained me.
After graduating, I joined the University of Texas Medical Branch faculty as an emergency general surgery/trauma surgeon. There, I earned a master's degree in population health and conducted research on surgical outcomes. Following my passion for colorectal surgery, I pursued a fellowship in the field and matched at Louisiana State University in Shreveport.
After completing my colorectal surgery fellowship, I returned to Salt Lake City to practice at LDS Hospital. Soon after my return, I met my husband Jorge, who had coincidentally lived in Salt Lake City and worked at the University of Utah during my training, but our paths never crossed. In January 2020, we moved to Seattle, where I now practice in the South Sound region, enjoying the beautiful views of Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier. I am currently serving as the associate program director for our colorectal MIS fellowship, where I train fourth-year general surgery residents from Madigan Army Medical Center. Additionally, I will soon be appointed as an associate clinical professor at Washington State University, where I will mentor third-year medical students during their surgery clerkship.
In August 2022, Jorge and I welcomed our daughter, Isabel, bringing joy and busyness to our lives. We relish parenting and are embracing the outdoor activities and travel opportunities the Pacific Northwest has to offer while continuing to explore new horizons together.
