Michael Blanco

Michael Blanco wanted to be a neurosurgeon. After starting medical school, he switched to orthopedic surgeon. Now that he’s completed rotations in both orthopedic and general surgery, he’s leaning toward general surgery. Or medicine? Maybe gastroenterology as a way to combine medicine and surgery? He likes to fix things. So much to try—so little time before residency applications are due.

Michael married and started a family before coming to medical school, so for him the balance between family and career is not theoretical. He worked in his father’s car business for three years after graduating from the University of Florida. A scholarship offer helped him choose UB. Now the next big decision is keeping him awake at night. What does he say about the stress? “I’m living my dream.”