SHORT BIO

Mauricio “Jimmy” Franco Jr, M.S., M.D. (he/him/his)

Pediatrics Resident at UCSF-PLUS

Medical School- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Hola Todes (everyone)! My name is Mauricio Franco, but most folks know me as “Jimmy”.  Beyond my role in medicine, l I am a writer, photographer, and activist. Finding balance in my life through community work, wellness, and family has helped me sustain my commitment to achieving a career in medicine while also nurturing my full self. I have carved a path that centers social justice and health equity as the backbone to how I approach medicine as well as mentorship. I spent 15 plus years co-leading initiatives to transform mentorship in Latinx communities and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. My life’s mission is to support those around me to live authentically and to uplift the many journey’s a person can have in becoming a physician. 

If you are struggling with imposter syndrome know this; I graduated undergrad with a 2.57 GPA, completed a postbacc program, took the MCAT twice, completed a Master of Science in Global Medicine, and applied to Medical school twice before being admitted to medical school. I believe our journeys have the power to transform medicine and uplift  others to live without shame. Medical school had its challenges; but I am proud of what I have accomplished, and carry the many lessons I have learned from the communities I serve.  After graduation from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, I moved back to California to complete my Pediatric s residency at UCSF in the PLUS program.  In June 2024 I completed residency where I met amazing leaders, friends and docotos that inspire  me to continue to be visible and transparent along my journey as a physicians . Medicine needs to be radically transformed, and white supremacy needs to be abolished.  I am grateful to my mentors for showing me that I can be a queer Guatemalan and show up as my full self wherever I go.