Q&A with Student Senate Chair Alexander Iacobucci
Please share a bit about your background and what led you to your current field of study.
I am a fourth-year medical student at Baylor College of Medicine applying to Internal Medicine Residency this fall. I studied Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University, where I also worked as a personal trainer creating exercise and diet regimens. I started medical school with an interest in pursuing a surgical subspecialty, however, I fell in love with my Internal Medicine rotations. I now aim to specialize in gastroenterology following residency, combining my passion for nutrition and exercise with the rapidly advancing world of cancer screening/prevention and inflammatory bowel disease management.
What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, and why did you choose Baylor College of Medicine?
I was inspired to pursue a career in medicine following my experience in high school working with a surgeon who demonstrated the privilege of profoundly impacting patients’ lives. When applying to medical schools, I chose to attend Baylor College of Medicine for its world-class research, outstanding faculty and access to cutting-edge medical care taking place in the Texas Medical Center.
What are your main academic and research interests at Baylor College of Medicine?
My primary academic/research interest at Baylor College of Medicine centered on andrology and prostate cancer therapies as I pursued a career in urology. My focus has now shifted to researching endoscopic therapies and cancer prevention in gastroenterology.
Describe a memorable experience or achievement during your time at Baylor that has had a significant impact on you.
Serving as the Student Senate Chair at Baylor has been one of the greatest privileges I could have. In this role, I lead the Student Senate, organizing activities for the student body and managing the funding for our vast student organizations. One of the most rewarding experiences during my time at Baylor occurred at the Student Organization Fair, an event I had organized to enable our 85+ student organizations to share the incredible opportunities they offer with interested first- and second-year medical students.
What challenges have you faced during your medical education, and how have you overcome them?
One of the greatest challenges I faced during my medical education was balancing the academic rigors of core clinical rotations when I was faced with a family health crisis. Fortunately, the generous faculty leadership allowed me to fulfill both my roles as a student and son and support my family while continuing my medical education.
How do you balance your academic responsibilities with other interests and what are your career goals after graduating from Baylor College of Medicine?
To balance my academic responsibilities with my hobbies and life outside of medicine, I maintain a meticulous schedule. I love weightlifting, running, hiking, playing my guitar and saxophone, and exploring Houston with my incredible fiancé.
How has Baylor College of Medicine shaped your approach to medicine and patient care?
Baylor College of Medicine has shaped my approach to medicine and patient care through emphasizing the humanistic component of medicine. The world-class faculty I have worked with consistently demonstrate the power of meaningful human connection and treating the whole patient, not just the diagnosis. I am thankful to have learned from these incredible minds and will carry these lessons learned into my future practice for life.
In what ways can the Baylor alumni community support your growth as a medical professional?
As I continue to advance along in my path to becoming a medical professional, I hope for support from the Baylor alumni community through networking opportunities and mentorship—whether that be getting connected with practicing gastroenterologists or discovering research opportunities, I am thankful to attend this incredible program and receive support from generations of Baylor graduates.
