Dorothy cabantan

Dorothy as a medical student

Pronouns: She/Her

Dorothy as a child

• What kind of identities do you inhabit?

  Born and raised in Manila, my family and I moved to the United States after I graduated high school to pursue the American dream. I am a daughter of hardworking Filipino parents who made this dream possible. I am proud to be a first generation Filipino immigrant, and aspiring physician in my family.

• The path to medicine is not easy. Can you tell us why you decided to pursue it?

  I actually thought I was going to be a Taekwondo instructor after competing at the national level and pursuing this passion for 12 years. My roots in practicing the sport, where biomechanics and physical, emotional, and mental wellness factor heavily into the game, were foundational to my journey. I then fell in love with Neuroscience and Dance in college, and through community volunteer programs, I knew that I wanted to do nothing more than create meaningful connections, further my scientific curiosity through lifelong learning, and practice patient-centered care. Fortunately, Medicine was and is the perfect union of all three! I took the plunge, and the rest was history.

• Can you describe a challenging moment in medicine that made you rethink your career path?

  Microbiology was the hardest course for me during my pre-clerkship years. Despite studying for long hours and rewatching lectures, my first few exams didn’t go well, and I questioned whether Medicine was still the right fit for me. Still, I felt that this was only a blip in the grand scheme of things, and I was driven to improve on my weaknesses. I worked with my study group to identify points for improvement, develop better study strategies, and find good study resources. We studied consistently, and encouraged each other when we felt like giving up. We did much better on our subsequent exams and reached our goal scores!

  During my second year, I became a Peer Mentor for Biochemistry and Microbiology. I tutored and hosted review sessions for fellow students, helping identify knowledge gaps, consolidate major concepts, and build on the strategies that worked. It truly takes a village to raise a medical student. I am forever grateful for the support I received, and will always pay it forward in this lifelong journey.

• How do you see a career in PM&R as advancing equity? Or alternatively - why are you interested in this organization? Why equity and PM&R?

  Throughout my experience in healthcare, I’ve found that ableism is still prevalent. For instance, are we offering patients limited treatment based on our perception, or assumptions of what “quality of life” is supposed to be? Are we ensuring that health programs are accessible to all patients, including our patients with disabilities? Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is a powerful platform for advancing equity. Disability is NOT inability, and in my career, I will strive to be an advocate for my patients for increased and equitable access to care.

• Can you tell us a little bit of your aspirations - either for your career or for the field of medicine (if you’re a medical student?)

  From Pediatrics, to TBI, SCI, cancer rehabilitation, amputee care, sports medicine, and pain management, I have a wide interest in all aspects of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation! I can see myself practicing both in the inpatient and outpatient settings. I look forward to seeing how audition rotations and residency shape my goals for future practice.

• Find me on social media

  Twitter: @DorothyCab

Last updated 8/2023