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AAIM Member Spotlight

Ricardo Correa, MD, Es.D, FACP, FACR

Endocrinology Fellowship Program Director
University of Arizona College of Medicine

How long have you been a member of AAIM?

I have been an Alliance member for five years.

Describe your typical day.

I have several responsibilities including clinical responsibilities where I staff the fellows and teach them how to address endocrine pathologies. I also see my own patients.

Besides the clinical responsibilities I dedicated a lot of my time to research in different areas including thyroid and immunology, thyroid cancer, adrenal and pituitary problems, health care disparities in obesity and diabetes, and wellness in graduate medical education.

What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of my job is to train the next generation of physicians in an environment where they can learn and also apply evidence based medicine to their daily activities. I enjoy being involved with both medical education and clinical work. I am also interested in research in endocrinology and Latino health. I see a lot of disparities in treatment among different ethnic groups. I focus on teaching diversity and inclusion. In my endocrinology work I see many transgender patients. Part of my job is to teach Fellows that their personal beliefs and religion are separate from treating patients.

How has the AAIM membership been of value to you and your career?

AAIM has provided me with tools to apply in my practice and with my fellows and residents. I have found excellent mentors who guide me in my career and stimulate me to do what I love doing.

What's your favorite moment of your career so far?

My favorite moment was when I was awarded an NIH Grant award. As a physician scientist and educator I make a lot of effort to secure money for doing research. The day that they announced that my team got an NIH award was one of the happiest moments in my life because I knew that I would continue my academic career.

What was your childhood dream job?

To be a doctor. My mom always told me that I wanted to become a doctor and a singer. Well the singer part never worked out so being a doctor was always on the top of my list. Helping others and educating them is my real passion.

How do you spend your free time?

I spend my free time with my family, sharing and playing with my kids and wife. I love to do different things and to travel.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

That even though I am a social person I am very shy and that I am often afraid to speak in big groups (I gave a lot of lectures). I am also in the US Army Reserve and I love to help my military colleagues in their learning of medicine.