Following four years of hard work at Coral Gables Senior High, Gables alumni Sebastian Lopez has kicked off his pre-medical journey at Florida International University. Upon graduating in May of 2025, Lopez shifted his focus towards his college career, striving to be an ophthalmologist in the near future.
From a young age, Lopez was diagnosed with an undiagnosable an eye illness causing him to spend a lot of time at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. His experiences with this disease marked the beginning of his fascination with eyes, allowing him to discover the world of ophthalmology.
Throughout his high school career, Lopez set his sights on earning top grades in the International Baccalaureate program and achieving high test scores. Through his commitment, he was named a Commended Student in the National Merit Scholarship Program for obtaining a score within the top five percent in the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test.
Further expanding his involvement, Lopez initiated a project where he collected donations of glasses at Gables to help the Lions Club, giving them to those in need. Apart from earning a Silver Knight honorable mention for his work, Lopez also devoted time towards advancing medical research at the Veteran Affairs Eye Clinic. Combined with his SAT scores, these qualities made Lopez competitive in his college applications.
After applying and being accepted into the FIU Honors College, Lopez gained the to confidence to go through with the lengthy interview process for the Bachelor of Science/Medical Doctor program. Excitedly awaiting the results, he became one of the three selected for the accelerated BS/MD track.
“Sebastian was naturally very intelligent, but that’s not what set him apart. It was something you don’t find often, which was his natural curiosity. He liked to learn. He was motivated to understand something so that he could learn more about that thing, not just know it for a test. I am not surprised he got into the Honors program, I really look forward to having him as my doctor,” Mrs. Kiely said.
This prestigious opportunity FIU offers is a seven year BD/MD Accelerated Pathway that cuts off a year of school, which he plans to take advantage of. The program grants students a guaranteed acceptance into the FIU Medical School, where Lopez intends to immerse himself in the increased research and service opportunities that would not normally be available for undergraduate students.
Navigating the life of a college student, Lopez finds that the BS/MD program has been everything he hoped for and more. This hands-on experience in the medical field gives him a clear sense of the path ahead. Even when the workload becomes overwhelming, Lopez keeps his long-term goals close, reminding himself that every late night drives his ambition for ophthalmology, which will all be worth it for him in the end.
In ten years time, Lopez expects to be entering his last years of residency and getting close to entering his fellowship before becoming a full retina or pediatric ophthalmologist. Thrilled to take part in this program, he looks forward to moving through undergraduate and medical school at a faster pace, bringing him one step closer to the career he has always dreamed of.
“[Sebastian Lopez] is so respectful, and I really loved that about him. Not only that, but he was very focused and loved to learn, even if it was just for his own business. He was a leader amongst his friends and his peers, and very optimistic, ” Mrs. Vazquezbello said.
With his dedication to achieve his future goals, Lopez exemplifies the determined path of becoming a full practicing physician, showing that success comes naturally when combined with ambition. From discovering about ophthalmology because of his eye disease to starting his own glasses drive with the Lions Club, he has found his ideal career combining his passion for vision and medicine, a unique path which will continue to inspire the Cavalier community.
