Motivated by the desire to help patients by creating new treatments, Alicia obtained the Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology from the University of Cadiz, Spain, with a specialization in Biomedicine. She worked as a trainee researcher in the Immunology Department for two years before pivoting towards clinical research and earning a master’s degree in Medical Affairs and Clinical Trial Monitoring.
While working as a medical advisor she was involved in designing clinical trials in different pathologies, before becoming a medical science liaison in dermatology. Working more closely with healthcare professionals and the patients themselves brought her to the realization that patients didn’t only need new treatments – they also needed improved access to existing ones.
As an Angels Initiative consultant Alicia had a key role in ensuring more stroke patients could access acute treatment that lead to better outcomes. Being able to positively impact patients’ lives was both a privilege and an opportunity for professional and personal growth. Some of her experiences as a consultant will remain in Alicia’s heart forever, such as helping the only hospital on a remote island become stroke ready and observing dramatic improvements in stroke care performance at existing stroke centres. Knowing that behind the metrics were patients with a second chance at life, afforded her tremendous satisfaction and reinforced her commitment to making the world a better place.
This mission became even more personal for Alicia when her beloved grandmother suffered a severe stroke, causing her to lose her independence. This heartbreaking event bolstered her courage and motivation to continue to make the world safe for stroke.
As Angels team leader for Spain and Portugal, Alicia sees an opportunity to support not only stroke teams and patients, but also those very dear to her – her team of consultants. She is committed to helping them become the best version of themselves and maximize their impact on stroke networks and patient outcomes in both countries.
