Cool Kid prepares for career as pediatrician

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- He's a young man who knew he wanted to be a pediatrician before he was out of junior high school. Most kids would nurse that goal along. But this week's Cool Kid immediately turned his wish into a very helpful volunteer opportunity.

Louis Briones is a Cool Kid with plans to be a pediatrician. Those plans started at an early age.

"Somewhere between the summer of my 8th-grade year and my freshman year, I asked Dr. Mangoni if I could volunteer here," said Louis. "And he thankfully said yes. So I've been coming here since."

His mentor, Dr. John Mangoni, says he can clearly see that Louis has the qualities essential to being a good pediatrician.

"He's so down to earth and so sincere," said Dr. Mangoni. "And he has this compassionate way of being that would be an ideal physician."

A future with years of schooling and long days and nights might be obstacles to many, but not to Louis.

"To become a pediatrician, I know it's going to be a long, difficult road," said Louis. "And I know there's going to be sacrifices that I need to make. And I'm more than willing to make those sacrifices to help kids in the future."

No matter how much work lies ahead, Louis is motivated by the fact that he'll be getting so much in return too.

"I don't think anything will discourage me," said Louis. "Seeing that smile on kids' faces at the end of the day, makes it all worthwhile to me."

Louis Briones is a Cool Kid who hopes to one day help other children through his expertise as a doctor.

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volunteerism, cool kids, danny romero

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