Bianca Argueza
Why did I choose UCSF Pediatrics Residency?
- The Bay Area is my home away from home. The food is great, the ocean is steps away, and there's so much stuff to do in the city and surrounding area.
- Anything is possible here. If you have an idea and the dedication to make it happen, you will easily find the people and resources to make it a reality.
- It feels like family. Everyone (including faculty) is on a first-name basis, and you have a large team supporting you throughout your time here.
What has been the meaningful part of residency training so far?
There are several patients in my continuity clinic at Mount Zion that I have been following since they were newborns. It is so gratifying to bear witness to a family raising a child and support/cheer them on through each milestone. Primary care is awesome!
What is my residency project?
I never planned to be this busy doing additional non-clinical projects in residency, but I guess you just make it work if you're passionate enough about something. I developed a mindfulness program for transitionally housed families in Bayview-Hunters Point, lead the Pediatric Diversity Committee, help lead the Wellness Task Force, and I'm currently working to expand the Reach Out and Read program at Mount Zion. You certainly don't have to do any of these extra things in residency, but it is a program that supports residents' clinical and non-clinical passions.
What do I think I'll do after residency?
Definitely primary care, possible some acute care / hospitalist work -- Does this job exist? I'm also thinking about applying to general academic pediatrics fellowships and getting my MPH. I want my career to include a combination of clinical work, research on resilience in the setting of ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) / diversity in medicine, and teaching the next generation of pediatric leaders.