Fresh out of medical school, Ignacio Esteban chose to go to Santa Victoria Este (Salta), where he worked as a general practitioner for six months. This initial experience, which exposed him to a reality very different from what he had seen during his studies, motivated him to further his training. He returned to Buenos Aires, completed his residency in pediatrics at the Hospital Italiano, and dedicated himself to research. From a senior residency position to his work on clinical trials during the pandemic, his career marked a gradual but decisive shift: from the doctor's office to research with population-based impact.
Today, he is part of Gavi, an international organization created in 2000 that enables people living in low-income countries to access new vaccines almost simultaneously with those in more developed countries. This organization acts as a bridge between donors, countries, and the pharmaceutical industry, negotiating large volumes and reduced prices for vaccines. In 2025, Ignacio made headlines for leading the team that, for the first time, included maternal immunization against RSV in vulnerable countries. RSV is a respiratory virus that causes severe bronchiolitis in infants, and thanks to this vaccination campaign, not only will countless babies' lives be saved, but the burden on hospitals will also be reduced during the winter months. This translates into fewer hospitalizations, less use of oxygen and antibiotics, and, most importantly, lower infant mortality. “The place where one is born should not dictate life expectancy due to lack of access to a vaccine.”, Explica.
What did your time in the Universidad Austral
Three legacies:
“These three elements were crucial for my professional career; they allowed me to lead public health projects and negotiate health decisions at a global level.”, recognize
And something that stands out: " Universidad Austral It puts you in contact with research from a very early age, and I'm very grateful for that because it sparked my interest. I loved seeing patients, which is why I went into pediatrics, but research and how to use evidence effectively to have an impact was what attracted me most.”.
It was during this research journey that she decided to apply for a Fulbright Scholarship and pursue a master's degree in Public Health and Infectious Diseases and a certification in Vaccine Science and Policy at Johns Hopkins University, ranked number one in public health. This master's degree paved the way for her to join Gavi. But her path wasn't straightforward; she applied many times before being accepted for scholarships and key positions. “I’ve been rejected ten thousand times and I’m going to keep getting rejected.” -says- "It took me a long time to understand and learn it. That's why it's key to persevere, apply what you learn, and not get discouraged. Rejections don't define how good a doctor or professional you are..
“The impact of research is not only academic: it connects you with other institutions and allows you to think about policies that affect entire populations.”, Señala.
About the future
Looking ahead, Ignacio has a clear professional goal: to prepare for the introduction of a potential new tuberculosis vaccine. If it works, it could become the most impactful vaccine in recent history due to its potential to reduce global mortality.
What motivates him? To reduce inequalities. And to work to ensure that health innovations reach the most vulnerable from the beginning, not decades later.
"Another of my main goals is to continue sharing my experience and to show students other paths beyond traditional clinical practice, including research, public health, and the work of global organizations. I believe that showing them these options can prevent many from reaching their 40s or 50s without having explored other career paths.".
