Published January 28, 2020
Meet Francisco Vega-Maldonado: Currently in his fifth trimester at TCC, he is an ambassador of the college, the president of the International Fellowship of TCC and the vice president of his class. Francisco came to TCC from his hometown of Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, where hopes to open his own chiropractic practice after graduation.
Francisco earned his bachelor’s degree in general biology from the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao in 2014. In addition to participating in a biomedicine research program during his undergrad, Francisco was also active in several clubs in the biology department. He earned one year of credits toward his master’s degree in biology from the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras before deciding he wanted to pursue a career in chiropractic medicine.
Read more about why Francisco chose chiropractic and what he enjoys about TCC in the full Q&A below.
What made you want to become a chiropractor?
Before coming to TCC, I worked for a medical device production company that focused on the assembly of medical bone spine screws for patients with conditions like scoliosis or herniated discs. I have family members who have experienced back pain and desperately needed a solution. Realizing there are lots of other people who suffer from back pain as well, I grew interest in the possible ways to help people find relief in these situations. I also had personal experience of musculoskeletal pain and injuries from two motor vehicle accidents, where I was treated with intense physical therapy for several months.
What organizations on campus are you involved in?
The first club that caught my attention once I arrived at TCC was the International Fellowship of TCC (IFTCC). This club encourages and appreciates the diversity of national cultures on campus and in the profession. During my second trimester, officers of the club nominated me to become its president. I have been a TCC Ambassador since Trimester 3 and vice president of my class since Trimester 4.
What is your favorite part about TCC?
One of my favorite parts of TCC is the Open Adjusting Lab. We are able to significantly improve our adjusting techniques to be better adjusters and doctors in the future. Most importantly, we are able to interact with students from different trimesters – the upper trimester students can give their suggestions and I can offer some of mine to the lower trimester students.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
I would strongly recommend this profession to any prospective students that are interested in becoming a doctor of chiropractic. I would also advise them to do research and seek the most accurate information about the profession so they can find out all the wonderful things a D.C. can do to help their patients. I would also recommend shadowing someone in the profession to gain more insight and experience.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
Eventually, I plan to go back home and practice in Puerto Rico. First, I would like to practice as an associate D.C. in the U.S. to gain some business experience and eventually own my own practice. Sports chiropractic is my main interest, where I will be able to work with high performance athletes and sport teams, but I will also welcome patients of all ages and backgrounds.