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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage/ Latin X Leaders in the Lab—3 Questions With Christopher Almendariz, MD

Sep 16, 2026, 23:01 PM by Team Critical Values
Christopher Almendariz, MD is a first-year pathology resident at Baylor College of Medicine in the Texas Medical Center in Houston, TX. A love of science at an early age and a strong family system laid the foundation for Dr. Almendariz to succeed as a first-generation college student and pursue a career in medicine.

Here, Dr. Almendariz shares with Critical Values how his family’s example shaped his values, how science helped him understand the world around him, and how both influences led him to pathology.

What inspired you to pursue a career in pathology?

There is something about science in the broadest sense that appealed to me growing up. I enjoyed chemistry and biology class the most, I think because they were a helpful way for me to understand the world around me. Pathology encourages us to think about the disease process and its effects at the cellular and molecular levels. I think that's fascinating.

How have your early experiences informed your career in pathology?

From a very young age, my mother taught me to be proud of who I am and where I come from. Both of my parents worked hard to provide for their family when they moved to the U.S. from Mexico. I think something I internalized growing up was that my family, especially my parents, both work hard and treat people with kindness. That helped shape who I am today. Throughout my career so far, I have found that kindness and hard work go a long way.

Which career milestones or achievements are you especially proud of?

I am the first in my entire family to pursue a career in medicine. Being a first-generation college graduate was difficult, and graduating from medical school is an achievement that I never want to take for granted. As I begin my career in pathology, I will continue to work hard and make myself and my loved ones proud.