As a little boy in Cuba, Ernesto C. Perez used to stand on a rock, and dream of exotic far away places. Lack of electricity, running water, or a life of adversity does not determine success, believing in oneself does… Ernesto has been a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) for sixteen years and currently works as an independent practitioner, for outpatient surgery centers, in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. He is graduating in August with a DNP and is seriously considering another doctorate with emphasis in education. Ernesto previously taught nurse anesthesia students in both academic and clinical settings. Recently, during a presentation of his capstone project at the DNP intensive, he realized how much he missed teaching. He feels blessed for all the achievements and the opportunities that have come his way. Teaching is not only a way of giving back, but also a way of sharing his blessings with others.
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.