Dr. Hanadys Ale is a graduate of FIU Honors College who has worked hard for many years to achieve her dream of becoming a pediatrician. In 2008, Dr. Ale earned a bachelor’s Degree in biological science from the FIU Honors College with the honor of Summa cum laude. Ale continued her studies at Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine as a member of its inaugural class. She graduated with honors in 2013 and began working towards her residency in pediatrics at Nicklaus Childrens Hospital. Soon after, she graduated top of her class and successfully achieved her dream of being a pediatrician.
Although Dr. Ale achieved many academic accomplishments, her journey to becoming a pediatrician was often fraught with hardship. At the young age of 20 years old, Ale immigrated to Florida from Cuba. She spoke limited English and did not understand the United States’ educational system. Nonetheless, Ale knew treating children with medical issues was her calling in life. There were times when she felt the urge to quit her journey to become a medical professional; however, her experiences as an immigrant have provided her with the strength to continue moving closer to her goal. The language barrier that once stood as an obstacle for Ale had become a source of determination for her. Without her experiences as an immigrant, Ale may not have had the courage, focus, and drive to achieve her dreams.
Another element that helped Ale achieve her ideal career is the time she spent at FIU Honors College. At first, she felt nervous and doubted her decision to join the FIU Honors College, but she realized she made the right decision once she read a quote in the lobby. It reads: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit” and was once spoken by the philosopher Aristotle. Reading the quote helped Ale understand the importance of striving to achieve her ambitions and how she belonged as a member of the FIU Honors College. FIU Honors college inspired her to constantly aim for excellence in her professional life and other aspects. Her experiences at the Honors College laid the foundation for her successful career. Each member of the Honors College staff, such as the Professors, administrators, and Dean Juan Carlos Espinosa continues to support their students in order to help them achieve their goals. With the excellent support of FIU Honors College, Dr. Ale has achieved her desired career.
Today, Dr. Ale is a Pediatric Immunologist and Allergist at Joe Di Maggio Children’s Hospital. She cares for patients with allergic conditions, such as food allergies, asthma, and eczema. She also assists patients with primary or secondary immunodeficiencies. Studying immunology is Ale’s favorite part of her career. She is interested in learning how the body constantly protects the body from foreign threats. The most rewarding aspect of her career is healing children from immunodeficiencies and educating parents about those diseases. Dr. Ale is also a Professor at FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. She teaches Immunology to first-year medical students and is passionate about educating future doctors.
For current Honors students striving to become medical professionals, Dr. Ale advises, “If a career in medicine is the only career they see themselves doing, not let anything discourage them from pursuing it because they could regret it later. I will tell them to keep fighting for their professional dreams and to have a strategy on how to get there.” Dr. Ale continues to treat patients and educate students in an excellent and skilled manner.