Irene Aguilar

Licensed M.D. / State Senator

State of Colorado

Denver, CO USA

“You don’t come out of school and become what you are going to be...you start your journey. Each step along, whether you think it’s successful or not, informs the next step you take.”

Videos

By Roadtrip Nation

Irene Aguilar

Milestones

My road in life took a while to figure out.

Was often told that going to college would be a waste of time—says all it took was “one person to say that your potential is much greater than you think it is, so go for it.”

She became the first person in her family to get a college degree.

Worked for 23 years as a primary care provider for Denver Health and Hospitals; currently practices medicine at Clínica Tepeyac, which serves a primarily uninsured and Latino population.

Gave birth to a rare form of genetically identical twins, one of whom has developmental disabilities; this inspired her to participate in public service and health care advocacy.

After learning more about health insurance and how it is funded in the U.S., she became angered by the system—decided to run for public office in order to advance the cause of universal health care.

Received the governor's appointment to the Developmental Disabilities Council and also served on the Vulnerable Populations task force of Colorado’s Blue Ribbon Commission on health care reform.

Currently serving as one of four Colorado State Senators representing Denver and works primarily on the Committee of Health and Human Services.

Notable legislation she has sponsored includes: creating a commission of health care experts to analyze costs, expanding Medicaid eligibility, and improving access to childhood immunizations.

Keep following my journey

Education

High School

Bachelor
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
Washington University in St Louis

Doctorate
Medicine
University of Chicago

Career

Licensed M.D. / State Senator

I am doctor & a Colorado State Senator advocating for health care reform.

Career Roadmap

My work combines:

Medicine

Politics

Helping People

Day to Day

I write and draft legislation that mainly focuses around health care reform. I spend a lot of time networking and making connections to help pass the bills.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for high school students

It's important to focus on your next step, not what am I going to do with the rest of my life. This will keep you going on your path and keep you open to possibilities.

Recommended Education

Bachelor
Biology/Biological Sciences, General

Doctorate
Medicine

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Family:

"Why are you going to college?? You are just going to end up getting married anyway. It's a waste of your time."

Challenges I Overcame

Financial

Disabled Child

First-Generation College Student

Interviewed By

Degree of Impact

Paths made possible by a doctoral degree

Irene Aguilar

Licensed M.D. / State Senator

Videos

Irene Aguilar

Milestones

Education

Career

Career Roadmap

My work combines:

My work combines:

Medicine

Politics

Helping People

Day to Day

Advice for Getting Started

Recommended Education

My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Family:

Challenges I Overcame

Interviewed By

Degree of Impact

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