April 17, 2025
When he was three years old, Paulo Nunes Maldonado and his family came to the Wooster, Ohio area from Bolivia. The Class of 2025 Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine graduate attended the College of Wooster and received a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. He recently matched in general surgery at OhioHealth Doctors Hospital.
What are you most excited about as you take your next step in your career?
I am most excited to further develop and refine my skills to help serve our diverse community.
If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?
Keep on keeping on, the biggest growth often happens through adversity!
What led you to a career in medicine?
Since a young age, servant leadership was emphasized in my life. I knew I wanted to serve others and found my calling in medicine following my time working as an interpreter and health care liaison for Hispanic/Latino community members. Surgery allows me to combine my passions for service, my love for working with my hands, and my desire to help improve the health of our community.
How would you describe your time at the Heritage College?
HCOM not only provided my education but provided me with a family. My classmates were vital in my success. These individuals showed me support, love and encouragement during the hours of studying and prepping for exams.
Looking back on medical school, what were you most important experiences?
My most important experiences were likely my first third year clerkship (general surgery at Mansfield Hospital with Dr. Sheth). His passion for teaching and his love for surgery were vital to encouraging me to pursue my dream of becoming a surgeon.
Tell us about your inspirations in life.
My inspirations are my parents. They sacrificed everything to leave our home country to guarantee safety, educational opportunities and a better life for us kids. What a courageous thing to do in your 30's!
Were you involved in research? If so, can you share more about what you worked on?
1. Exploring the Enigma: Lambl's Excrescence-Mediated Cardioembolic Stroke A rare case report explores Lambl’s excrescences as a potential cause of cryptogenic stroke, highlighting diagnostic challenges and the lack of clear treatment guidelines.
2. Utilization and Variations in Direct Peritoneal Resuscitation Across the United States This study identifies significant regional and institutional variation in the use of DPR in trauma care, underscoring the need for standardized protocols and provider education.
3. Changing Severity and Epidemiology of Adults Hospitalized With COVID-19 After Introduction of Vaccines (March 2021–August 2022) COVID-19 vaccines led to less severe illness in hospitalized patients, though breakthrough infections rose with new variants, particularly in vulnerable populations.
4. Early Serial Echocardiographic and Ultrasonographic Findings in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19 Early imaging in critically ill COVID-19 patients frequently revealed right heart dysfunction, offering insights into fluid management and prognosis.
5. Effectiveness of mRNA Vaccines Against COVID-19 Hospitalization by Age and Chronic Conditions (March–August 2021) mRNA vaccines were highly effective in reducing hospitalizations, especially among healthier and younger adults, though less so in those with multiple comorbidities.
6. Effectiveness of a Third Dose of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Vaccines in Preventing COVID-19 Hospitalization (August–December 2021) A third dose of mRNA vaccines significantly improved protection against severe COVID-19, particularly for immunocompromised individuals.
7. Sustained Effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Vaccines Against COVID-19 Hospitalization (March–July 2021) Vaccine protection remained high over time but showed signs of waning, especially in older populations.
8. Vaccine Effectiveness of Primary Series and Booster Doses Against COVID-19-Associated Hospital Admissions Both initial and booster doses effectively reduced COVID-19 hospital admissions, especially in immunocompetent individuals.
9. Comparative Effectiveness of Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Janssen Vaccines in Preventing COVID-19 Hospitalizations (March–August 2021) Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines outperformed Janssen in preventing hospitalizations among non-immunocompromised adults.
10. Community Health: Common Illnesses in Santa Cruz, Bolivia Low-income, high-density areas in Santa Cruz face high rates of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and vector-borne diseases, necessitating public health interventions targeting sanitation, education, and disease prevention.
Who has helped you along the way? Is there anyone you want to recognize?
Dr. Lacuesta through the Physician Diversity Program has been a constant pillar of support. She always was looking for ways to support underrepresented students and reminding us that we are needed!
What hobbies do you have?
I enjoy playing soccer, basketball and golf.
What didn't we ask that you would like to share?
I have two wonderful pets, my dog Beni and cat Buster who have helped support me through this journey as well!