MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Gabriela Walsman, MD, FAAFP A Bit About Dr. Walsman I grew up in Quito, Ecuador, as the only daughter among two siblings. My mother, an entrepreneur, and my father, a physician, have been my greatest mentors, guiding me throughout my journey to becoming a physician in the United States. I moved to the U.S. at the age of 25 and met my husband, Wesley, in Washington, D.C., where we lived for seven years before I was accepted into a residency program in McAllen, Texas. My first two children were born in Texas, and my youngest, Isaac, was born in Utah. My children, whose ages range from 18 months to 12 years, are my constant source of motivation and joy, and they keep me grounded and active. Motherhood is a journey in itself, and I am continually learning how to balance my professional and personal life. I am practicing as a solo practitioner at Grateful Direct Primary Care, a clinic located in West Jordan, Utah. My goal is to provide quality medical and culturally sensitive care. Outside of my clinic, I am deeply committed to humanitarian efforts, serving on the board of the Leal Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing medical missions in rural areas of Ecuador. This work allows me to give back to underserved communities and provide them with much-needed healthcare. When I’m not working, I cherish spending time with my family, attending church, exploring the outdoors, and traveling. I also have a passion for Ecuadorian folkloric dance, which helps me stay connected to my roots. Promoting wellness is a priority for both my patients and myself, and I strive to maintain a balanced and active lifestyle. The Journey to Becoming a Physician From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue medicine. At just 11 years old, I would accompany my father, a cardiothoracic surgeon, to the hospital, where he introduced me to his patients. One experience that solidified my calling was when an 8-year-old patient in recovery, whom my father had just operated on, kissed my hand in gratitude. That moment deeply impacted me and affirmed my desire to heal future patients. I also fondly remember pretending to be a doctor in my father’s home office, where I would use his prescription pad to “prescribe” imaginary medications to my playmates. I completed my medical training at the Central University of Quito, Ecuador, and, as an international medical graduate, I pursued my dream of practicing medicine in the United States. I passed the necessary board exams after studying at Kaplan Medical Institute. During this time, I worked as a medical assistant, Spanish medical interpreter, and volunteered at various hospitals in the Washington, D.C., area to gain experience and immerse myself in the U.S. healthcare system. I completed my residency in family medicine at the McAllen Family Medicine Program and subsequently worked as an employed physician for six years. For the past three years, I have been running my own direct primary care clinic in West Jordan, Utah. I take great pride in providing comprehensive care and building long‑term relationships with my patients, which is one of the most rewarding aspects of family medicine. Choosing Family Medicine Choosing family medicine was a very intentional decision for me, shaped by my 14
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