Barrow resident inspires next generation of Mexican-American female neurologists

Neurologist in-training reflects on personal journey during Hispanic Heritage Month

(PHOENIX - Sept. 26, 2024) - Walking the sleek halls of Barrow Neurological Institute at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, neurology resident Diana Monge-Sanchez, MD, feels nothing but pride for how her family, culture and experiences growing up in Sonora, Mexico have helped her achieve her dreams. 

“My Hispanic heritage is so important to me,” said Dr. Monge-Sanchez. “Growing up in Mexico, my parents showed me every day what it meant to work hard to provide for our family. They encouraged me to set my standards high, and stay committed to my goals. It wasn’t always easy, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Dr. Monge-Sanchez is one of nine first-year neurology residents at Barrow Neurological Institute. She landed a spot in the competitive neurology program after earning a medical degree at the Universidad de Sonora in Mexico, and later working as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Arizona’s College of Medicine in Phoenix. 

Her hands-on experience and training in her home country helped fuel her drive to become a neurologist.

“My training in Mexico taught me to be extremely resourceful and aware,” said Dr. Monge-Sanchez. “We would go out into the community and I would see people who desperately needed medical care. More specifically, I witnessed that their neurological needs weren’t being met. Unfortunately, access to expert neurological care in some parts of the world isn’t feasible. I want to help change that.”

Her interest in medicine started at a much younger age. Dr. Monge-Sanchez was drawn to math and science in elementary school.

“Growing up in a developing country, you don’t have much control over many aspects of your life,” said Dr. Monge-Sanchez. “However, I was able to find concrete answers in biology which helped ground me throughout my life and still does today.”

In addition to the roots she found in academics, Dr. Monge-Sanchez was taught perseverance and humility by her mother, who served as a local nurse, and father. She says they both remain her biggest inspirations.

“As a young girl, I was privileged to have such a supportive family. My parents offered me a lifetime of love and encouragement that inspires me to pursue my goals every day,” said Dr. Monge-Sanchez. “Now it’s my turn to inspire the next generation of young girls and show them that it is possible to become a doctor, no matter where you’re from, what you look like, or what language you speak.”

Upon completing residency, Dr. Monge-Sanchez is interested in pursuing fellowship training with a focus in neuro-critical care or stroke. Barrow’s premier neurology residency program allows residents to gain first-hand experience in several different areas to help broaden their clinical experience and exposure, and help them identify their passions.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, Dr. Monge-Sanchez wants to use her platform and position as a woman and minority in the medical field to make a difference in the world.

“Now that I’m part of the Barrow residency program, I truly feel like I have a voice and I want to use it,” said Dr. Monge-Sanchez. “I look forward to caring for patients here in the United States, and also giving back to my home country one day for teaching me so much.”

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