Hello everyone, my name is Luis Cordero. I am originally from Chicago, IL. I became the first person in my family to graduate from a higher education institution. I majored in Neuroscience on the pre-med track with a minor in Gender & Sexuality Studies from Davidson College with honors. I am a first-generation, queer, LatinX aspiring physician deeply interested in neurodegenerative diseases and upholding our commitment to serving mankind, particularly our aging population. We need to reimagine the systems we have in place currently.
When I came to Davidson I wanted to major in Neuroscience for my love of biology and psychology. Specifically, though, growing up, my mother had a neurodegenerative disease and later both my mother and grandmother were diagnosed with some type of dementia. My curiosity led me to major in Neuroscience to understand the science of neurodegenerative diseases. During my time at Davidson, I learned more about certain proteins that play a factor in developing certain diseases and other environmental factors. My courses allowed me to think beyond the pharmacological ways of intervention and also consider non-pharmacological ways of intervention.
After my first year at Davidson, I applied for a grant and traveled to the Netherlands to take a public health course there for a month. While I was there, I heard about a place called “Dementia Village” and knew that I had to visit. Once I visited De Hogewey, I knew that other places like this had to exist and be created. The model of care they provide is a complete 360 with the current models of care that I have seen and volunteered at back in the United States. After this visit, I reflected heavily on how we are able to make LTCFs more inclusive and cost-effective.
Three and half years later, I was informed about the Watson Fellowship. During the summer before my senior year, I was advised to do an independent study with a professor. Therefore, I proposed to do an independent study on Eldercare, where I read various articles on care settings and various models of care. The literature opened my mind to a world I didn’t know existed. This independent study was the foundation of my Watson proposal. I became more curious and excited about what others are doing in various countries to help our older adults. We will all age and get older. However, I am interested in ensuring we age with dignity and kindness to the very end despite any condition we might develop as we age. Therefore, I applied for a Watson and shared my ideas of what I hope to accomplish in a year abroad and the visits I will make. After many drafts and discussions, I turned in the final iteration of my proposal and personal statement to be nominated by Davidson and then the national committee of Watson.
I became a 2022 Watson Fellow with my project titled: Foregrounding Dignity & Kindness in Care Facilities.
I have always had a deep interest in caring for our aging population since I cared for my mother and grandmother, who both suffered from neurodegenerative diseases. I now have this rare opportunity to see what others are doing. I plan to go to five countries that are subject to change. I want to visit Peru, Brazil, Germany, Australia, and Nepal. I selected each of these countries based on economic level and resources available. You can read more about my Watson here: “Watson Fellows Ready to Tackle Questions Fundamental to the Health and Well-Being of Citizens Around the World“
Additionally, if you would like you can read more about each of my countries main-take aways by going to the tab labeled ‘countries’ and selecting any country.
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