SUD Insights: "It transformed my perspective. I could pursue life as an entrepreneur, while also being a clinician."

Welcome to our series, SUD Insights! Our goal is to share more about our upcoming SUD Ventures program through the lens of our participants.

Valeria Elizabeth Ruiz Santana is a Mexican physician dedicated to advocating for health equity and underrepresented populations in clinical research. Born and trained in Guadalajara, Mexico, she is now pursuing her goal of becoming a physician-scientist. Her passion is driving healthcare forward through science-driven innovation.

With experience working in low-income clinical settings, Valeria has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by highly marginalized populations, including migrants and refugees. She is committed to ensuring that research findings lead to tangible clinical advances. To bridge the gap between scientific discovery and practical application, Valeria aspires to become an entrepreneur, accelerating the transition from research to impactful solutions.

Currently: Valeria is pursuing Master's in Clinical Investigation at Harvard Medical School

Applications to the SUD Ventures program are open through September 15, 2024. Apply now at https://bootcamps.mit.edu/bootcamps/sud-ventures/

SUD Ventures

Why did you apply for the program?

As a general practice physician training to become a physician-scientist, my passion lies in improving healthcare through research and patient-centered innovation.

However, I have lacked the technical skills to bring my ideas to life, especially when it comes to creating a sustainable business. In today's fast-paced world, it is essential to turn ideas into reality quickly and efficiently, which is why I sought out this bootcamp. No one understands the gaps in current care better than patients themselves. I wanted to learn how to use these identified needs, combined with my medical knowledge, to develop solutions that can be implemented promptly and effectively.

Coming from a background of practicing medicine in a third-world country, I have a deep understanding of the complexities that SUD patients face when trying to access care. This experience has fueled my determination to drive change and make a tangible difference in their lives.

What is your most memorable or ‘aha’ moment from the program?

This program is mind-blowing on its own. However, reviewing case studies of successful entrepreneurs who shared their journeys—from identifying a need to iterating until they designed a viable prototype— that's when everything clicked for me. ?

Listening to their journeys toward becoming entrepreneurs made me realize that innovation doesn't have to be a super complex, engineered device. As long as you're addressing unmet needs and clearly defining your value proposition, your product can be life-changing.

I understood that I don't need a Nobel Prize-level discovery to create a successful business and make a meaningful impact.?

What impact did the program have on you?

This program was truly a game-changer for me.

It transformed my perspective on the possibilities for my career, showing me how I could pursue life as an entrepreneur while also being a clinician.

Combining my clinical experience with this new knowledge has dramatically revolutionized my approach to clinical problem-solving. It has reshaped my mindset as a clinician-scientist, allowing me to tackle critical healthcare problems with an entrepreneurial lens.?

Can you share a bit about the work you’re doing now?

After the program, I developed a strong interest in joining the healthcare ventures environment.

So I joined and won a Health-Innovation Hackathon at MIT GrandHack Hacking Medicine, gaining more experience in problem-solving entrepreneurship within healthcare and allowed me to?build more meaningful connections with others who share my passion for innovate in medicine.

I also started a master’s degree in Clinical Investigation at Harvard Medical School. This program is preparing me to become a clinician-scientist, and I'm planning to combine this clinical research expertise with my entrepreneurial skills to address challenges in clinical practice. I now view entrepreneurship as an accelerator for pushing the boundaries of medical innovation and making a significant impact.

What advice would you give to your fellow doctors if they’re interested in attending this program?

Learn as much as you can.

As physicians, we are the primary point of contact with patients, and it’s a tremendous privilege to be in a position to truly understand their needs. Ask questions and never assume anything. Those who struggle often have a clearer view of their gaps in care than anyone else. Use your knowledge, skills, and expertise to offer solutions, but remain humble. Listen with curiosity and seek to genuinely understand the "untreated" pain points of your patients. Surround yourself with passionate, like-minded individuals who share your vision. Teamwork and collaboration are crucial for success, so actively seek out and build a strong network of supportive people who can help drive your ideas forward.

Applications to the SUD Ventures program are open through September 15, 2024. Apply now at https://bootcamps.mit.edu/bootcamps/sud-ventures/