When Dr. Rafael Vazquez (M.D. ’06) was growing up, his parents stressed the importance of a solid education. Now, with a gift in support of Weill Cornell Medicine’s new student residence, Dr. Vazquez is honoring his parents’ values as he helps fulfill one of the institution’s primary campaign goals.
Dr. Vazquez’s generous gift will provide for the naming of a study nook on the first floor of the new student residence, currently under construction on East 74th Street and York Avenue. When the wellness-focused building is completed in 2025, it will contain the Maria Nely and Jose Luis Vazquez study nook, with a special plaque bearing the names of his parents.
“I’ll take them to see it,’’ says Dr. Vazquez, a Massachusetts-based anesthesiologist. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the institution and for my parents to be almost commemorated, if you will. They went from being immigrants to having their name in a prestigious medical school, which is the best thing ever.”
Dr. Vazquez, who emigrated from Mexico with his parents, is an assistant professor of anesthesia at Harvard Medical School. He is also the medical director of Mass General Brigham Integrated Care and director of anesthesia for interventional radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital.
A physician for more than 17 years, Dr. Vazquez decided to become a doctor because “it’s the most noble profession there is,’’ he says. “It’s tough at times, but at the end of the day, you know you made a difference.”
An active member of the Weill Cornell Medical College Alumni Association – and a class leader for Reunion 2022 – he believes that gifts in support of Weill Cornell Medicine are the best way for alumni to honor their alma mater.
For Dr. Vazquez, a gift in support of the new student residence was the choice that made the most sense.
“The happier medical students are, the more they can focus on their studies, which will ultimately translate into better productivity and better patient care,’’ he says.
“My philosophy of philanthropy is contributing to a cause you believe in, and for me, there’s no other choice but Weill Cornell Medicine.”