Natasha Carrero Mercado, DO Candidate

Natasha Carrero Mercado was born and raised in Bayamon, Puerto Rico and completed her undergraduate education in Miami, Florida. While obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Florida International University, Natasha worked as a medical scribe at a Pediatric Emergency Department and volunteered as a Peer-Led Team Learning Leader to lead review sessions and help students succeed in their science courses. She graduated from FIU with honors and recognition as an officer from the Delta Epsilon Iota Honor Society.

Upon graduation, she worked as an Ambassador for her scribe company and traveled to a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA where she helped implement a new scribe program. During this time, Natasha also worked as a House Manager for the non-profit organization, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Fort. Lauderdale where she made an impact with families of chronically ill children. These experiences helped solidify her medical interests with her passion to make a difference in the lives of others.

Currently, Natasha is a fourth-year student at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM). In 2019, Natasha was awarded the MOSS scholarship in recognition of her academic achievements and commitment to serve as a primary care physician. She has helped develop pediatric educational sessions for students to broaden their pediatric care knowledge and created a “Nicotine/Vaping in the Pediatric Population” presentation as a member of the Pediatric Interest Group for the CT Urban Service Track/AHEC Scholars Program. Currently, she helps create board-style questions for her class to help prepare for their medical licensing examinations.

After graduating from WVSOM in May 2022, Natasha plans to enter a pediatric residency program. Her involvement in the WV AHEC Rural Scholars Program will provide additional insight into rural Appalachian medicine and allow her to provide better care to her future patients.