S HIR IN R A Z D A N ' 1 1 A ND F E L I C I A B UR K E ' 1 1
Shirin's passion for surgery was ignited
during her medical school clinical clerkship
rotations, where she discovered her love
for operating and the thrill of using her
hands to make a difference. Despite initially
aiming to become a cardiologist, she found
her calling in urology finding satisfaction
in the precision and complexity of robotic
surgeries, particularly in cancer cases. She
anticipates that her profession will continue
to evolve over the next five to ten years,
with advancements in technology further
enhancing surgical techniques and
patient outcomes.
Reflecting on her time at Palmer Trinity
School, Shirin acknowledges the impact
it had on her personal and professional
development. The supportive community
and dedicated teachers fostered her
confidence and nurtured her interests,
ultimately instilling in her the confidence to
pursue her ambitions in medicine.
Shirin credits many teachers who played
pivotal roles in encouraging her throughout
her time at Palmer Trinity. Notably, mentors
such as Señor Carlos Garcés and Ms. Elena
De Villiers encouraged her to challenge
herself academically and embrace new
opportunities. Señor Garcés, Shirin's high
school Spanish teacher and advisor, was
the reason she majored in Spanish at the
University of Miami. While four years of
Spanish at Palmer Trinity was not in Shirin's
plans, Señor Garcés saw the potential
she had and encouraged her to pursue
the language, which Shirin now loves and
continues to speak fluently. Ms. DV, as she
is lovingly known by many PTS students,
has served as a friend, math teacher, and
life mentor to Shirin for over 10 years,
teaching her the importance of being a
hard-working and proud woman in STEM.
Palmer Trinity School had a knack for
encouraging talent even when it was hidden.
For example, in spite of having no prior acting
experience, Shirin was given the lead role
in a school play by Mr. Richard Rosen, the
theater teacher. Despite her initial hesitation,
Mr. Rosen's encouragement and belief in her
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