Dalhila Solorzano Rubio, MD
I am currently a second-year pediatric endocrinology fellow at the University of Utah. My journey began in Colombia, where I obtained my medical degree and worked as a general physician for six years. I always felt a calling to work with children, ultimately guiding me to pursue pediatric residency training in the United States. I completed my residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso.
My interests lie primarily in clinical practice and quality improvement, particularly in childhood obesity. I am passionate about addressing access to care, reducing health disparities, and creating an environment where families can seek help without stigma. Witnessing the transformation of children who overcome obesity and regain their health is incredibly fulfilling and drives my commitment to this field. My research project will focus on the impact of Semaglutide on cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in adolescents with obesity.
My inspiration to choose pediatric endocrinology stemmed from my experiences in general practice, where I encountered numerous cases involving childhood obesity and children with type 2 diabetes mellitus. I love that we can develop long-lasting relationships with patients and their families within pediatric endocrinology, given the vast array of conditions that endocrinology entails and the nature of illnesses that often require long-term management. Usually, I had limited resources to guide their journey to health. When I moved to the United States, I worked as a research coordinator at the University of Miami, where I had the unique experience of working with a transgender population. This experience revealed a different need and opportunity within pediatric endocrinology, further solidifying my career choice.
Additionally, my residency at Texas Tech in El Paso provided invaluable experiences. Practicing in a border town like El Paso highlighted the stark differences in access to care and how diseases are addressed in different countries. This unique setting allowed me to witness firsthand the disparities in healthcare between the United States and neighboring regions. We are fortunate to live in a country where healthcare resources are more readily available, yet there is always room for improvement. Serving in El Paso allowed me to care for underserved populations, utilizing up-to-date guidelines and evidence-based medicine. This experience deepened my understanding of the importance of equitable healthcare and strengthened my resolve to advocate for better access to care for all children, regardless of their background.
In the future, I envision collaborating with international organizations and healthcare providers to develop and implement programs that address pediatric endocrine disorders in underserved regions.
I am deeply thankful for the guidance and leadership of Dr. Raman and Dr. Timme, whose dedicated passion and knowledge have significantly contributed to my formation as a pediatric endocrinologist. Their mentorship has been invaluable in shaping my approach to care and teamwork. Additionally, Dr. Chan’s commitment to working with children with obesity and ensuring they have a robust support team has been particularly inspiring.