Cristian Carrillo, DO

About Cristian

Growing up in the bay area, everything was loud, spicy, and in Spanish. My parents immigrated to Los Angeles, bringing with them the culture of Mexico. Settling down with four children in San Jose, they emphasized our continual development through education, something unattainable to them in rural Mexico. I attended community college, though I was undecided on a career path. Around this time my grandmother became ill, and I would often take her to doctor appointments and serve as her translator. Caring for her and meeting her doctors sparked my interest in medicine.

When she passed away, I knew in my heart that becoming a physician and caring for others was my calling. I transferred to CSU Monterey Bay and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Shortly after, I began medical school at Western University in Pomona, CA. I discovered that, because of my Spanish-speaking ability and cultural background, I thrived when working with Latinos and other medically underserved populations. I decided early on to dedicate myself to caring for the medically underserved, with particular interest in Latino patients. This motivated me to compete for the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program, which I was awarded during my first year of medical school. I also joined the Latino Medical Student Association, and served as vice president for my chapter.

During medical school, my wife and I got married, adopted a puppy, and had a baby. Our dog Cashew loves to go out for walks with us, especially if we start jogging. Our baby, Natalia, is discovering the world and, like her parents, her favorite place is the beach.