Profile

About Frank Urena: Physician-Scientist in Training

Frank Ureña in a white coat by the ocean

My name is Frank Urena, and I am a bioengineering scientist currently advancing my expertise by attending medical school. My goal is to become a physician-scientist, uniting rigorous scientific inquiry with compassionate clinical practice. I am passionate about translating complex molecular insights from the laboratory into tangible benefits for patients at the bedside.

At a Glance

  • Qualifications: PhD in Molecular Biosciences (Immunology & Bioengineering); MD in progress.
  • Core Expertise: T-cell biology, cancer immunology, clinical reasoning, and translational research.
  • Key Methodologies: Cell culture, organoid development, molecular signalling assays, and data analysis tools.
  • Present Focus: Preparing for specialist training in Internal Medicine and Oncology. I am actively seeking research collaborations in translational oncology and immunology.

Academic & Research Background

My doctoral research, which culminated in a PhD in Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, was centered on the intricate mechanisms of the immune system. Specifically, I investigated how microRNAs—precisely miR-15a/16—modulate T cell proliferation by regulating the MEK1–ERK1/2–Elk1 signalling pathway. This fundamental work in T-cell biology provides critical insights into cellular growth control and carries significant implications for developing future therapies in immunology and oncology.

Clinical Aspirations & Translational Goals

I am now pursuing a medical degree (MD) with a keen focus on Internal Medicine and Oncology. My ambition is to be a clinician who not only treats patients but also pioneers new therapies founded on a deep understanding of disease biology. I strongly believe in a model of humane, narrative-driven care, where understanding a patient's story is as crucial as understanding their pathology. My core professional objective is to develop translational tools that bridge the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application. My primary interests include:

  • The Tumour–Immune Microenvironment
  • Patient-Derived Models (PDX, organoids)
  • Serious-Illness Communication