Biography
Dr. Zacil Vilchis Zapata, MD, MSc is a Mexican medical geneticist with a strong background in clinical genetics, medical research, and academic education.
Positions
- She earned her medical degree from Universidad Anáhuac del Mayab, completed her specialty training in Medical Genetics at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), based at Hospital General de México, in 2014, and holds a Master’s degree in Helth Sciences from the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán.
- Dr. Vilchis has served as a faculty member at five universities, teaching Clinical Genetics, Molecular Diagnostics, and Genomic Sciences.
- Her research interests include rare diseases, breast cancer genetics, and genodermatoses, with publications in national and international scientific journals.
- For over 13 years, she has been dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by rare diseases, specially with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), combining clinical expertise with a strong commitment to patient advocacy and multidisciplinary care.
- She has served on the Advisory Council of the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance of Mexico since 2015 and has been a member of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex International (TSCi) since 2019.
- She is also a member of the Mexican Association of Human Genetics (AMGH) and the American College of Medical Genetics.
- Dr. Vilchis currently serves as Director of Holos Genetics in Mérida, Mexico and is the creator of Genética para niñas y niños (@geneticaparaninasyninos), an educational initiative dedicated to making genetics accessible and engaging for children and families.
- Her work is guided by a family- centered approach to medical genetics, with a commitment to advancing genetic education, improving access to diagnosis and care, and enhancing the quality of life of individuals living with genetic conditions and their families.
Areas of special interest
- Clinical Genetics and Rare Diseases
- Breast Cancer Genetics and Genodermatoses
- Medical Education and Science Communication
- Patient Advocacy and Family-Centered Care
Mexico