Itzamarie Corral
Patient Service Specialist I
When did you start work at UTMB?
January 21, 2025 (Houston’s snow day)
Please describe your role.
Every day I get the opportunity to help patients, whether it’s as small as checking them in for their appointment or listening to their concerns and seeing where UTMB can fit in.
What is the best thing about your job?
Being able to meet people of different backgrounds, asking the “travel screening” questions and hearing patients talk about their trips—and making someone laugh or smile.
What is the most challenging thing about your job?
At the end of the day, the patients come to our clinic because there is ultimately something that feels wrong or is concerning of some sort. The most challenging part is knowing I only get to see them at their worst or at a low/weak point and knowing I can’t do much about it other than provide the best atmosphere that I can.
What is your favorite quote?
“Everything happens for a reason.”
Tell us about your life outside of work.
I’m very fortunate to be busy! Outside of work, one could find me at the gym, on a stroll or picnic at the park, dance and hot yoga classes, traveling to my next trip, crafting or hanging out with my friends.
What is the coolest thing or a fun fact about you?
I performed with Lady Gaga at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2017. I was a junior in high school, and my drill team was top of our district so somehow got the opportunity to perform with Lady Gaga in the halftime show for the Super Bowl! We had to practice during the cold weather outside on football fields for a month and a half until we got to practice in the NRG stadium two weeks before the super bowl.
We were only able to practice with Lady Gaga for one rehearsal day, but she made it super genuine for everyone by going around and hugging as many people as she could. The girl she hugged on national TV was my friend on the team too!
It was a crazy experience, knowing her and I are the same height, running down the NRG football field and being a part of the national anthem with Luke Bryan.
What is a dream that you want to make come true one day?
Do volunteer work in a different country with kids in daycare or school.
What is a cause you’re passionate about?
Mental health
What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on?
It would be in between Chicago or Puerto Rico. Not only do I have family in Chicago, but even after going back three times I still find myself wanting to experience more of it. It holds a cozy feeling for me. Puerto Rico is beautiful! It was the first time I felt connected to nature, especially hiking up a mountain to see a huge waterfall revealed.
Describe an experience that has had a lasting impact on you.
One day at work, I had finished checking in a patient and before leaving my station he said to me, “I don’t get out of the house much anymore since I can barely walk on my own so it’s refreshing to see someone smile so big and be so kind to me. Thank you.”
Later on I came to discover he’s fighting cancer, which is the exact area of study I’m wanting to work in. Not only did I enjoy partaking in his day, but I took the encounter as a sign that I was on the right path with my purpose—to make as big of a bright impact as I can during a stage of darkness.
What would you like to be remembered for?
Being warm, bright and kind. And unapologetically, myself (which I’m still striving towards).
What is it that you can’t live without?
My ChapStick and coffee!
If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
Iceland is my dream trip. I love hiking and being one with nature. To be able to see the Northern Lights would be the cherry on top.