Ariana Starts Intern year at Stanford Neurology
Ariana Barreau, a recent graduate from Carle Illinois College of Medicine this past May, has embarked on her journey as a first-year neurology resident at Stanford Medicine Department of Neurology. A proud alumna of St. John’s School, Ariana's story is not only a testament to her resilience and dedication, but also the strength of island community support networks.
Ariana's upbringing on Guam was rich in community involvement.
"I loved spending my summers in St. John's summer camp, playing tennis, and later getting involved with service club projects," she recalls with a nostalgic smile. She fondly remembers volunteering at St. Dominic's retirement home, painting bus stops with her classmates and volunteering to help with roadside cleanups with Mr. Pearson. These experiences fostered her enduring commitment to service.
Ariana's interest in medicine initially stemmed from personal experience. Like many on the island, she saw firsthand the challenges faced when specialized medical treatment was not readily available locally for her grandfather, who had just been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
“Seeing the health disparities on the island made me realize the urgent need for better access to healthcare services,” Ariana shares. Eager to find ways to one day give back to the island, she decided to pursue a career in medicine.
While completing her degree in biomechanical engineering at Stanford, she pivoted from wet lab research to patient-centered clinical research, underscoring her desire to bridge the gap between innovation and patient care. She developed a passion for advancing non-invasive therapies after running a pilot study to use virtual reality to treat patients with complex regional pain syndrome.
At Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Ariana faced unique challenges, including pandemic-era learning. The anatomy course, especially cadaver lab, profoundly impacted her, reinforcing the privilege of medical education and the importance of teamwork.
“Physician learners are privileged to learn directly from those who donate their bodies to science,” she noted.
While she enjoyed many of her clinical clerkships, Ariana ultimately chose neurology for the opportunity to bridge clinical care with academia and industry: “There’s a huge advancement in therapies for neurological conditions, and it’s an exciting time to be joining this field.” She hopes to lead the development of future neurological devices and is considering sub-specializing in movement disorders and cognitive-behavioral neurology.
Whether Ariana’s career can lead her back to Guam, her connection to her home remains unbreakable. She is keen on giving back to her community through mentorship and outreach clinics.
Her message to aspiring students is clear: “Opportunities for growth and learning may often be found in places beyond your immediate surroundings. Deeply explore your interests, no matter if it’s related to medicine or not, as the experiences can significantly impact your personal and professional development.”
Ariana’s dedication to improving healthcare access for Guam’s residents extends beyond her medical practice. She envisions creating a community of physician innovators who can address the unique challenges faced by the island. Her projects, often inspired by the close-knit and supportive nature of the Guam community, demonstrate her belief in the potential of local talent to make a significant impact.
Despite being away from Guam for her medical training, Ariana remains committed to her island home. Last year, she worked with other medical students from Guam to raise over $10K in Typhoon Mawar aid. She plans to continue to give back through pre-medical mentorship and outreach clinics.
Her message to aspiring students: “Seek opportunities and experiences for learning beyond your immediate surroundings and beyond your comfort zones,” emphasizing how this can profoundly shape personal and professional growth. As more students from Guam enter the medical field, she envisions creating a community of physician innovators who can address the unique challenges faced by the island.
Ariana aims to improve Guam's healthcare by fostering a community of physician innovators who can address the island's unique challenges, drawing inspiration from its close-knit community spirit.
As Ariana Barreau continues her journey in medicine, her story stands as a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and community.
Written by Kai Akimoto | August 25th 2024
“Opportunities for growth and learning may often be found in places beyond your immediate surroundings. Deeply explore your interests, no matter if it’s related to medicine or not, as the experiences can significantly impact your personal and professional development”
- Ariana Barreau