Episode 5: Issac Flores

October 16, 2024

INTERVIEW BY Samuel Mordechaev

Edited by Priyanka Gera

Photo by Liora Rafailova

What’s your hometown?

I grew up in Puyallup, Washington. Wanna know how to spell that? [Both laugh]

What’s something someone should do if they visit?

One of the things my town is famous for is hosting the Washington State Fair every year, which I’m about 5 minutes away from. It lasts a month and it’s the biggest fair west of the Mississippi River, so it’s definitely worth your time to check out!

Did you take gap years before medical school? If so, what did you do?

So I took 2 gap years living in Seattle, where I worked at a company called SeaGen. It’s a research company that developed conjugated antibody treatments toward cancer – I grew cells for the lab. Unfortunately, they got bought out by Pfizer right as I was about to leave so they’re no longer around. 

Are you going to be the first doctor in the family?

I am!

What do you think is the key for a long-lasting friendship?

Honesty and forgiveness, you know? I also think it’s really important to make time to hang out with friends, especially as a medical students since we don’t get a lot of free time. We have to make sure that whatever little we do get counts. 

In an alternate universe, what would your profession be?

[Bites into spinach mid-interview] Hmm… Probably a historian. I also really wanted to be a marine biologist for a long time. I just really love the ocean and was obsessed with zoo books as a kid, so I always loved learning about animals and science. I know that’s a cliche answer coming from a medical student, but… I had this gigantic book about the ocean covering everything from creatures to tectonic plates. Every detail about the ocean you can imagine.

Speaking of animals, do you have any pets?

I do! Right now I have 2 dogs back home: Rubin and Oliver. We got them from the same litter, and they’re kind-of like my parent’s empty-nester pets, now that all their kids are out of the house.  They’re very cute, but very naughty. They’re always trying to dig holes in the backyard.

What is the last book you read?

Easy question. ‘Oathbreaker’ by Brandon Sanderson. 

What makes this an easy question? Do you read often?

I do read a lot, when I get the chance – it’s harder in med school. I’m even part of the school’s Book Club! 

Do you have any hidden talents?

None that I wanna share ;) I wish I could whistle. I keep trying. My dad could whistle and he’s pretty good at it. 

How do you take your coffee?

Very simple. Just a little bit of creamer and that’s it. 

What has been your favorite moment from this week?

I’m really excited that my friends from home are coming to visit for a month. Yesterday, I got to hang out with them in the city and catch up. It was really nice to see them. 

Window or aisle seat?

Aisle seat. I used to be a window seat kinda guy, but as I’ve taken more flights, I realize that aisle seats get a little bit more room. I don’t have to worry about asking the people around me to get up if I have to go to the bathroom. Window seats are cool to look out of, I must say. 

What is the most spontaneous thing you've ever done?

Before I knew I got into med school, during that awful period when you’re waiting to hear back from schools, I decided to randomly book a flight to London and take a vacation. I told myself it’d either be a reward for getting into med school, or… I’d need the vacation anyway.

What’s the first thing you notice about something when you meet them?

I ask them for their grades! Just kidding. I think I notice people’s smiles.

How do you define happiness?

For me, happiness is getting the chance to spend time with my family and friends, being there for the big moments,  and having the ability to explore the world. I really like traveling, so that’s a big priority for me. 

Is cereal a soup?

Is cereal a soup?? Weird question. I’m gonna say no, cereal is not a soup. Oh, let me ask a counter question: Is cheesecake a pie or a cake? I think it’s a pie, because it has a crust and a filling. 

What’s the weirdest thing on your bucket list?

I think it’d be really cool to take a train ride from Russia to Africa, because that’s the longest physical trip by land. 

Do you have any phobias?

I hate spiders. It’s not a debilitating fear, but I do hate them. 

Do you believe in fate or free will?

Free will. I think we make our own decisions. There’s no such thing as destiny. 

If you could travel back in time, when would you return to?

The Roaring ‘20s, because I’d know what’s going to happen, so I’ll have the time of my life, but also prepare for the inevitable downfall. I’ll build a self-sufficient home in the woods. 

What’s your favorite family holiday tradition?

For as long as I can remember, every member of my family would pick their own Christmas tree ornament. We have a list of every ornament that we’ve picked for each year, and I love seeing how our personalities have changed over the years with each pick. We have to keep buying bigger trees because we have so many ornaments at this point. Right now, our tree is 12 feet tall.

What’s your favorite quote from a movie or book?

“With great power comes great responsibility,” and anyone who knows me will know that. 

Are you into collecting anything?

I like collecting stuff for things I enjoy. For example, I’d always buy a book instead of going to the library, and I love having a complete set for a series. I love swords and wanna start collecting them. 

Have you ever had a side hustle or considered having one?

I would love to have a secondary source of income. I’d probably start a blog and review books. 

What’s a friendship dealbreaker for you?

Loyalty. That’s super important for me. If someone betrays me, let’s just say they got something coming for them. 

What is the most impressive thing you have ever made?

I made a really good kimchi soup last year, I should make that again. Ever since starting med school, I’ve been experimenting with cooking a lot more. So far, the kimchi soup is my magnum opus in the kitchen. 

If you had a warning label, what would it say?

“Warning! Don’t take to a museum unless you want an interactive tour.”

What were you like as a teenager?

I wonder how other people answered this question. 

Comparison is the thief of joy, Issac.

I’m not insecure about it, just curious about what people would say. I think as a teenager, I was more introverted. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more extroverted, making opportunities to plan things myself instead of waiting for others to do so. I’ve gotten into new hobbies, too, like working out a lot more this year. Look out for Issac 2.0!

If you could have any superpower, which would you choose?

It’d be between super speed and teleporting, just because I’d be able to get around fast. Honestly, I lean more towards teleporting… No, no, super speed, because I’d be able to get my work done faster and have more free time. I’d definitely go back to Washington whenever I wanted to. 

What are 3 foods you dislike?

Easy. I HATE mushrooms. Can’t stand them. I don’t know what it is about them. They kind of have this earthy taste that I just don’t enjoy. I also hate foods with a soft texture, like yogurt or pudding. Pineapples, too. Pineapple on pizza is a crime. 

What’s your go-to strategy for handling a rainy day or a gloomy weekend?

I might be in the minority here, but I like the rain! I like to take it easy. Start reading a book or playing a video game. I think it’s okay to take rest days from studying where you literally do nothing, watch TV, and camp out on the couch. 

Speaking of TV, do you have a favorite guilty pleasure show or movie that you don’t mind admitting to?

Honestly, I’d say something like ‘How I Met Your Mother’ or ‘Gilmore Girls.’ [Laughs] Just because my family and I used to watch that together a lot, and we’ve watched it so many times that we literally quote those shows all the time and make jokes about it. It’s relaxing – I don’t pay attention when they’re on because I already know what’s happening. 

If you could redesign your favorite city, what’s one thing you would add or change?

I’d give Seattle better transportation. Right now, our subway system only goes north and south and doesn’t go east or west, so it’s inconvenient to get to many parts of the city. And it takes them forever to build any new lines. 

What sources of inspiration do you draw upon to stay motivated?

I’ve always been the type of person to believe that nothing lasts forever – if things are tough now, they’ll eventually get better. That’s what keeps me going. If I get stressed, I’d also call my family and talk to them for a bit.

Do you have any words of advice for incoming M1s?

Start Anki early. Network – talk to lots of people, particularly in the beginning of the year, because that’s when everyone’s most social. Find some good restaurants nearby and hobbies that you can do any time. 

Contact Issac at iflores2@student.touro.edu.

Want to get involved? Fill out this Google form or send us an email at humansofnymc@gmail.com.