Sebastian Lopez, a recent graduate of Coral Gables Senior High School, has set his sights on a career in ophthalmology after experiencing an eye illness as a child. The experience sparked his interest in the field and motivated him to pursue activities related to eye health throughout high school.
Lopez led a project collecting gently used glasses, donating them to the Miami Buena Vista Biltmore Lions Club for distribution to those unable to afford new frames. He also interned at the Miami Veteran’s Affairs Healthcare System’s eye clinic, where he shadowed surgeries and patient visits. Noticing that many patients struggled with medical information, Lopez created 11 fact sheets using clear language about basic surgery and eye health topics. These materials were reviewed by VA staff and continue to be used with patients.
For these efforts, Lopez received a Silver Knight Honorable Mention. His internship also led him to co-author a scientific paper published in Vision journal, examining risk factors for macular degeneration.
In addition to his service work, Lopez was academically active at Coral Gables Senior High School, earning an International Baccalaureate Diploma, taking nine AP classes, and serving as president of the IB Honors Society. He is also involved in Encuentros Juveniles, a Catholic youth group under the Archdiocese of Miami.
Lopez chose Florida International University (FIU) for its accelerated B.S.-M.D. program through the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. The seven-year track allows selected FIU Honors College students to earn both their bachelor’s degree in biology and M.D., provided they meet academic requirements and complete interviews successfully. Only three students were selected for this year’s cohort.
“I’m very excited to join this amazing campus, all the energy, all the life it brings,” Lopez says. “It has a lot of meaning in my family to attend the same institution as my dad and brother.”
When asked about his future plans at FIU and beyond, Lopez says: “What motivates me is being able to help people,” he says. “To contribute to the community. That’s another reason I chose FIU. This program will allow me to serve the community I grew up in.”
