Mabel Margoth Reyes Pulido (Colombia)

What is your role at your work?

I am an assistant professor in the physiotherapy program at the University of Santander UDES led by Prof. Patricio López Jaramillo, from the MASIRA Research Institute. I participate in initiatives for the control of hypertension such as the CATCH project with the aim of improving the control of hypertension through the health team and the community active participation (INH financed project) in Colombia.

How did you get interested in your career path?

When I started my career as a health professional, I was excited about the idea of positively impacting the lives of my patients. Over time, I understood that I could impact many more through teaching new professionals, but even better, impact entire communities through research of the greater public health problems of hypertension and CVD.

What are you most proud of in your career or otherwise?

My career allows me to improve the quality of life of people. Doing my part to improve the health of the population can make all the difference. I feel proud to be clear that health is not only the responsibility of physicians. All health professionals contribute from our area of knowledge to generate a significant change in the condition of the entire population.

What important career challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?

In health, the challenges are innumerable, such as going from working for the health of each patient to working for the health of a population through teaching and research. However, not losing sight of your motivations makes it easier to achieve those objectives, step by step.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self that everything has a process and an opportunity for great learning. Having the responsibility of teaching new professionals and working to improve people’s health is a privilege that deserves all our efforts.

Highlight your most significant research contributions and publications (3-5) – if relevant to you.

Like other health professionals, during the pandemic I had great challenges as a professional and master’s student, so I focused my efforts on patients who were in critical care, and addressing the complications associated with the airway, through innovation. My publications include:

• Prueba clínica de concepto para la estabilización de tubos de traqueostomía utilizando el nuevo dispositivo DYNAtraq. Dispositivos médicos: evidencia e investigación, 15 , 215–227. https://doi.org/10.2147/MDER.S366829
• Complicaciones en pacientes usuarios de traqueostomía en unidades de cuidados intensivos. Scoping Review. Revista Cuidarte. 2022;13(3):e2281. http://dx.doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.2281
• Perspectivas de las intervenciones de la fisioterapia respiratoria en cuidado intensivo frente al COVID-19. Arch Med (Manizales). 2021; 21(2):en prensa. https://doi.org/10.30554/archmed.21.2.3897.2021

Have you had any significant career mentors? If yes, please provide further details.

Currently, my mentor in cardiovascular health is Prof. Patricio López Jaramillo, who has taught me that tenacity and effort generate great changes in the health of the population through research. This is why I think that in medium-income countries like Colombia, innovation and research are the key to improving the condition of our people.

How can we support the next generation of women scientists?

I believe that groups like the ISH Women in Hypertension Research Network are a great initiative to support women who want to make their way in science by connecting with other women who are also taking their first steps. Scientific networks are the best way to support each other and grow together in a more equitable scenario for all types of health professionals.