Impact Stories

Every year on October 1, National Latino Physician Day recognizes the contributions of Latino physicians and calls attention to the need for greater Latino representation in medicine.

To mark the day, we asked five AltaMed physicians one question: Why did you become a doctor? Their answers offer a glimpse into the people, experiences, and communities that inspired them to pursue medicine.

As the son of a Colombian immigrant, I became a physician to care for my community – sharing language, culture, and lived experience. Today, whether I am in an exam room, a boardroom, or even at a podium my purpose is the same: making sure Latine families are seen, heard, and represented where health decisions are made.

My path to medicine was far from straightforward, with challenges, detours, and many people telling me I would never become a doctor. As a Latina with a physical disability, I experienced firsthand the barriers that can make medicine feel like it was not built for you. With the support of my family, seguí adelante. I love that I can now practice family medicine and mentor the next generation of physicians, combining my love of research, community, and social justice advocacy. To anyone who has not always seen themselves represented in medicine: know that you belong here, too.

I became a physician because, as a first-generation Latino American, I saw early in life how difficult it can be for families to navigate the healthcare system. Growing up with my sister, who has cerebral palsy, I witnessed firsthand the difference that compassionate, knowledgeable physicians can make—not only for a patient, but for an entire family. Those experiences inspired me to become the kind of physician who helps families feel heard, supported, and cared for, especially in communities where access to care is often limited.

I became a physician because I recognized the inequities within our healthcare system. I wanted to be the physician my family never had—someone who was compassionate, humble, and reflected the community I came from. I understood that earning my medical degree would give me the knowledge, credibility, and platform to speak up against injustice and, more importantly, to act on it.

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a doctor. I never saw someone who looked like me with Dr. in front of their name. I became a physician to care for kids from communities like the one I grew up in and to inspire them to pursue medicine, return to their community, and do the same.

The need for more Latino physicians is clear. Across the country, communities continue to face a shortage of health care providers, while Latino patients remain underrepresented among the physicians who care for them.

At AltaMed, we are working to help close that gap by investing in the next generation of physicians. Through the AltaMed Scholars program and our Family Medicine Residency Program, we mentor and train future doctors who can bring cultural understanding and language concordance to the communities they serve.

When patients can receive care from providers who understand their culture and speak their language, they may feel more comfortable seeking care, communicating their needs, and following their care plans. Building a more representative health care workforce is one way we can help create better experiences and outcomes for the communities we serve.

The five physicians featured here each followed their own path to medicine. By supporting the next generation, we can help ensure more young people have the opportunity to follow theirs.