In addition to being recognized for his participation in vaccine trials for RSV, COVID, and influenza, he is also a pediatrician, sports medicine specialist, philosopher, professor, and holds a master's degree in bioethics. On Doctor's Day, we interviewed a professional who has taken multiple paths.
Source: IntraMed
"I always knew I wasn't going to work in the same field my whole life," said Dr. Gonzalo Pérez Marc during an interview on Sin receta, IntraMed's original video podcast dedicated to professionals who see their vocation beyond the consulting room.
Known for being the principal investigator in more than 30 clinical studies, including those on COVID, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines, he is also a philosopher, university professor, and holds a master's degree in bioethics. Today, he serves as general director of Equipo Ciencia and is head of Teaching and Research at the Maternal and Child Unit of the Military Hospital of Buenos Aires, but his interests were, are, and will continue to be diverse.
At a time when all media outlets were talking about coronavirus 24/7, he was invited to various interviews and mobile units where he explained that the pandemic had "changed the history of clinical research," as the constant injection of targeted resources shortened the timeframes of science, which is usually slow. But other discoveries took place in more specialized fields, such as "the vaccine to prevent bronchiolitis, something that as a pediatrician I never imagined and fills me with satisfaction," he shared.
During the podcast, he discussed his main occupation and dispelled a myth. He said, "The vast majority of doctors who do clinical research never leave patient care; only a few take the plunge, and they find it difficult."
However, he shared his experience to convey to students that, beyond the doctor's office, "they will always have work" and find new paths, if that is what they truly desire. "I was always against those who told you, 'once you enter the hospital, it's for life,'" he said.
Finally, he expressed his gratitude for the years of pure learning that have allowed him to get where he is today and participate in developments considered milestones. "The key is not to suffer and to enjoy yourself, because when you enjoy what you studied, you approach patients differently."
