喵咪社区

Dr. Sotelo is a urologist with 喵咪社区 specializing in advanced robotic and laparoscopic surgeries. He treats patients at Keck Hospital of 喵咪社区, 喵咪社区 Norris Cancer Hospital and 喵咪社区 Verdugo Hills Hospital.

Here鈥檚 what you won鈥檛 find on his resume.

Becoming a doctor was a lifelong dream.

鈥淚 always wanted to be a physician. During high school, I was fascinated by science. I enjoyed leading laboratory experiments, engaging in research projects and evaluating results.

The opportunity to help others also drove me to pursue medicine. I am truly passionate about having a meaningful impact on patients鈥� lives and making them feel better.鈥�

He鈥檚 a social butterfly who enjoys exploration.

鈥淚 believe in the power of networking and in the potential to nurture and elevate human talent. When I meet people who inspire me, I like to connect them so they may develop meaningful projects together.

When I鈥檓 not working, I also enjoy exercising, hiking, traveling and exploring different cultures.鈥�

More travel tops his bucket list.

鈥淢y favorite travel destination so far has been India. In the future, I would love to go on a safari in Africa and visit Thailand. Taking a parachute jump in the Gran Sabana region in Venezuela is also high on my to-do list.鈥�

He admires musicians.

鈥淚f I could trade careers with anyone in the world, I would choose Gustavo Dudamel, the music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. I鈥檝e always felt a deep passion for music, but what impresses me most is the sensitivity musicians express while performing. It鈥檚 as if they enter an entirely different dimension 鈥� one I long to be part of.鈥�

He studied engineering before going to medical school.

鈥淧eople may be surprised to learn that I studied engineering for more than a year while I waited to get into medical school at the Central University of Venezuela. For my mom, who was born in M茅rida, using time wisely was nonnegotiable. She used to say, 鈥榊ou鈥檒l learn something valuable from studying engineering. Go to the university, start with engineering and then become a doctor.鈥欌��

His mother was his biggest role model.

鈥淢y mom was a school principal who led nationwide literacy campaigns in Venezuela. For her, education was a core value, and being educated was synonymous with personal development and growth.鈥�

The best piece of advice he ever received also came from his mom.

鈥淲henever I faced challenging moments in my life and turned to her for advice, her response was always the same: 鈥榃hat are you going to do to accomplish it? You can do it!鈥� It was a fascinating way of telling me that she believed in me.鈥�

Favorite movie?

鈥淚 enjoy the 1989 movie 鈥楧ead Poets Society鈥� starring Robin Williams.鈥�

Seeing his patients thrive is deeply satisfying.

鈥淭he most rewarding part of my job is the opportunity to see my patients recover and achieve their dreams. To see my patients doing what they love inspires me every day.鈥�

Patients can expect an optimistic mindset from him.

鈥淚 would describe my bedside manner as respectful, approachable and honest. I am also optimistic and emphasize that the way forward is full of possibilities.鈥�

His message to medical students:

鈥淭reat every patient with real esteem for their lives. Always keep in mind that your actions may directly impact the rest of this person鈥檚 life.鈥�

Robotics have changed the game for prostate care.

鈥淭he most influential advancement in my field has been the development of robotic-assisted prostatectomy. This minimally invasive technique to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia has significantly benefited patients.鈥�

He envisions a future without cancer.

鈥淭he medical breakthrough I hope to see become reality in my lifetime is an end to cancer. I hope to see cancer become a disease that we talk about as something that only occurred in the past.鈥�

He鈥檚 passionate about medical research.

鈥淚 chose to work at an academic medical center because I believe research and education are critical components of the medical experience. I am currently involved in active trials to improve treatment for penile cancer.鈥�

What sets Keck Medicine apart?

鈥淚 love working at 喵咪社区 because it鈥檚 an honor to collaborate with such exceptional colleagues devoted to providing the very best care for urological conditions. We are among the best institutions in the United States, with many great medical urological advances being developed here, and I鈥檓 proud to be part of the team.鈥�

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