Dear RPS members,

In 2023, the RPS would like to focus on embracing diversity, equity and inclusion; and on broadening our international network.  One way to achieve this goal is to celebrate a semi-monthly calendar of observances and appreciations with 10-question interviews highlighting our diverse pool of members.   This month we feature long time RPS member Dr. Carmen Avila Casado for Hispanic Heritage month!

Dr. Avila Casado is a native of Guadalajara, Mexico.  She has been member of RPS Program Committee, the membership Committee, the international Committee and was previously RPS Secretary for 6 years.  She is currently a Professor at the University of Toronto and, the Director of Education at LMP-UHN Toronto General Hospital and the Director of the Renal Pathology Program and Medical Director of the EM lab.   She is currently the Chair of the ISN Renal Pathology Working Group.  Please find her interview below!

Carmen Avila-Casado, MD, PhD.  I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and currently work at the Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Canada.

Podocytopathies. I did my PhD focus on mechanisms of podocyte injury.

I am very fortunate that I enjoy all academic areas of my job, clinical reviewing renal biopsies, teaching national and international trainees and research.

I am always multitasking. The most challenging is to work on weekends.

I wanted to study Archeology. I also studied dance for many years and at one point wanted to be a dancer.

My wish for the future is to keep doing what I am passioned about like working on education.

I love cooking. I am a foody and love to cook special dishes. I like Flamenco.

It will be more technology involved, artificial intelligence.

Helmut Rennke is my mentor.

Cooking creating new recipes, and dancing flamenco.

Bonus Question:  What have you found most challenging about developing your career as a woman in medicine?

I am fortunate to work in a multicultural city where I feel welcome. As Hispanic, I feel very proud of my Mexican and Spanish roots. Yes, I have experienced racism but I feel confident that I could get over it. I am contributing with a mentorship program from my university where I am in contact with some Hispanic/Latino students.

My suggestion to medical trainees and junior faculty is to look for mentor and register in this kind of programs that may guide them especially if they are facing some hard environment. In U of T, a study has shown that unfortunately the Hispanic/Latino population has experienced some of these problems but that they keep silent and try to be resilient. I think they need to speak up.