Bio

Hello! My name is Juan Francisco Quintero, though I usually go by Francisco. I was born in Sinaloa, Mexico, and moved to the San Francisco Bay Area when I was 10 years old. I was raised in the small town of Burlingame, where I learned the importance of a close-knit, family-oriented community. I am currently a post-baccalaureate student at the University of California, Berkeley, and I earned my bachelor’s degree in Biology from Sonoma State University.

I am an aspiring physician interested in specializing in cardiology or oncology. My passion for health and medicine began when I accompanied my grandmother to her doctor’s appointments after she was diagnosed with heart disease at the age of 40. Wanting to better understand her condition and help my family stay healthy became the driving force behind my academic journey. While studying at UC Berkeley, I worked as an Ophthalmic Technician at a clinic dedicated to serving underserved communities. In this role, I often assisted Spanish-speaking patients who felt more comfortable communicating in their native language. As a native Spanish speaker, I was able to connect with patients in a warm and meaningful way. This experience showed me how essential clear communication and trust are in healthcare, and it reinforced my commitment to becoming a compassionate physician.

I am excited to be part of COMET and continue caring for patients while developing the skills necessary to become the best physician I can be.