Alumni Stories
From undergraduate and graduate degrees to residencies and fellowships, MD Anderson's education and training programs are as diverse as the types of care we provide.
Here's a look at how our alumni are using the knowledge they gained here to make a difference in their chosen fields.
If you would like the opportunity to be featured in future alumni communications, share your updates with us via the online questionnaire.
Alejandro Tortoriello, M.D.
Program Manager
Venture Development, Strategic Industry Ventures
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas
The grass doesn’t have a chance to grow under his feet
Alejandro Tortoriello, M.D. is that guy who always asks, “Why?” And if he’s not satisfied with the answer, he moves into action mode when he can to make things better.
A native of Mexico, Alejandro spent a summer during medical school doing research at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Inspired by his time at MD Anderson, he returned to Mexico and started two companies: one focused on preventing diabetes and obesity in children and a second involving the creation of work space where physicians could focus on patient care and less on back-office functions.
Alejandro currently works with faculty, researchers, employees and others at MD Anderson Cancer Center to take innovative ideas for improved patient care from the lab to the bedside.
UT System piloted a venture mentoring program with MD Anderson that now supports seven UT System institutions by connecting faculty and staff with experienced business mentors. Alejandro's favorite part of the job is the community volunteer mentor network that supports individual projects. He works with retired executives and entrepreneurs who volunteer their time and expertise to guide the venture groups toward a successful solution to the problem they are addressing.
Read more about Alejandro’s story, his work, his mentors and more.
Kaleena Maria Ramirez, HTL
Education
Coordinator
School of Health Professions Histotechnology
Program
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas
The student became the teacher
A graduate of the School of Health Professions Histotechnology program, Kaleena Ramirez's first post-graduation job with MD Anderson was with the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery department. In this role she also served as preceptor for the next class of histotechnology students which, in turn, ignited her desire to teach.
Although Kaleena's day-to-day responsibilities does not involve direct interaction with patients, she teaches her students to connect the work they do in the lab with the difference their work makes in the lives of patients, most of which are total strangers to the students. The quicker and more accurate their lab work is accomplished allows the pathologist to determine the right diagnosis which is important to the care and treatment of the patient.
Kaleena also has a unique point-of-view as she sees histotechnology as a balance between science and art. The exacting nature of the work is important for the patient's diagnosis, yet she finds the stains to be very beautiful.
Read more about Kaleena’s story, her work, her mentors and more.
Christopher Danos, M.Ed., CG (ASCP)
Clinical Cytogenetic Technologist
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas
From high school biology to cytogenetics
Christopher Danos was teaching high school biology and physics when he knew he had to take his love of science to the next level. He always loved science and wasn’t intentionally seeking a healthcare-related career. His journey led him to the MD Anderson School of Health Professions Cytogenetics Program. And he's never looked back.
It was the thoroughness of the cytogenetics program and the passion of the instructors that motivated Christopher toward his new love of healthcare and, as he puts it, his desire to strike out cancer once and for all.
Click here to read more about Christopher's story, his work, his mentors and more.
Keri Schadler, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics Research
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas
Living her dream
Describing her first day opening her own lab as a principal investigator at MD Anderson Cancer Center as "one of the most exciting days of my life," Keri Schadler, Ph.D., is living her dream. Keri is a graduate of The University of Texas MD Anderson Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
Keri leads her own laboratory which focuses on understanding novel ways to treat tumors by targeting tumor vasculature to improve efficiency of drug delivery to tumor cells. Her work in this focus area began while a graduate student in cancer biology and vascular biology at MD Anderson.
Read more about Keri's story, her work, her mentors and more.