Meet Marco Javier Rey-Rosa, Research Assistant Advancing Pediatric Radiology Research at Cincinnati Children’s 

Hi, my name is Marco Javier Rey-Rosa (Javi), and I recently joined Cincinnati Children’s Radiology as a research assistant, where I support a variety of research projects under the mentorship of Dr. Shireen Hayatghaibi.   

I grew up in Salem, Oregon, a place that gave me a deep appreciation for the outdoors. My family spent time camping, skiing, exploring the Oregon coast, and enjoying the many lakes and parks throughout Oregon. Some of my favorite childhood memories include riding my bike with friends through Minto-Brown Island Park, spending summer days at the Oregon State Fair, and playing a variety of sports. 

My interest in medicine developed early on while I spent summers attending school in Guatemala, where I witnessed firsthand the significant need for accessible healthcare. I was also inspired by my father, a pediatrician whose dedication to caring for children left a lasting impression on me. Following his passing from cancer, my commitment to pursuing a career in medicine became even stronger. My goal is to become a physician, and I will be applying to medical school in the upcoming year. 

I was drawn to Cincinnati Children’s because of its exceptional research environment and its shared commitment to improving care and outcomes for children. Cincinnati also holds a special connection for my family. Both of my parents trained and practiced in Cincinnati, so moving here feels like a full-circle moment.  

Outside of work, I’ve been enjoying everything Cincinnati has to offer, including local soccer leagues, Cincinnati sporting events, and many restaurants around the city. Some of my other hobbies include cooking new recipes, reading sci-fi books, and watching telenovelas. The last movie I watched was the new Spider-Man, and the last book I read was La ciudad y los perros by Mario Vargas Llosa.