Name: Pere Soler-Palacin, MD, PhD, MsC
When did you start working with the JMF? We started data sharing in 2007 and have been recognized as a Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies in 2016
Profession and Location: Pediatric Immunologist. Head of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunodeficiencies Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Assistant Professor, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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What inspires you? In my daily work, there are two main sources of inspiration. The first is the feeling that nothing can be as important as saving a child’s life. That led me more than 20 years ago to start my studies in Medicine and Pediatrics and remains as a leitmotiv running through my mind. The second is the personal need to reach the excellence in my daily practice. It does not matter if we are talking about medical care, research or teaching, I always try to do my best since many people are expecting that from me.
Moreover, my beloved family encourages me to keep on struggling for PI patients and their families.
What aspect of JMF do you find most special? The JMF is not a foundation to me, it is a family and I am so proud to be a little part of it. When I first met Vicki and Fred, I realized that they would do anything they could to help patients with PI and their families independently of the place in the world they were living, their gender, sex or economic status. They will always look for you whatever you may need.
What’s your favorite JMF memory? I have to admit that my favorite JMF memory comes from the dedication day at our center. It was an incredible mix of feelings. I was so proud to show Vicki, Fred and Vanessa our clinics, all the professionals, the patients and their families… and, at the same, time I got really nervous just thinking that something could have gone wrong. At the end, it was a wonderful day that all the people involved in the care of patients with PI will remember during all their life.
Favorite Quote: Doing what you like is Freedom, liking what you do is Happiness
Share a little bit about yourself with the JMF community! I have been a pediatrician for almost 15 years working in the field of infectious diseases and primary and secondary immunodeficiencies. I am so lucky to work with a group of incredible professionals at my hospital. We share our devotion for patients and work as a team to offer our best to patients and their families.
I have lived in Barcelona, Catalonia, since I was born and I love my little country and its history passionately. It is not surprising that I love the sea and if I could just ask for a single moment in my life, I would choose sharing a good dinner beside the sea with my family and friends.
JMF Co-Founders, Vicki & Fred Modell along with Dr. Pere Soler-Palacin
at the Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic & Research Center Dedication
at Hospital Vall d'Hebron in Barcelona, September 20, 2016.