National Latino Physician Day: 6% is Not Enough

October 1st is National Latino Physician Day (NLPD).

National Latino Physician Day is observed to celebrate and recognize the contributions of Latino and Latina physicians in the United States. This day highlights the significant role these healthcare professionals play in improving health outcomes for Latino communities, which face considerable health disparities. The primary mission of NLPD is to address the critical shortage of Latino physicians, who currently represent only 6% of the physician workforce, while Latinos make up approximately 19% of the U.S. population.

The day aims to raise public awareness about this underrepresentation and inspire systemic changes that can lead to increased diversity within the medical field. It also serves as a call to action for hospitals, educational institutions, and legislative leaders to implement strategies that enhance Latino representation in medicine. Latino communities experience significant health disparities, including barriers to access and poorer health outcomes.

Various organizations and medical schools across the country host events on NLPD to honor Latino physicians and promote awareness of the need for increased representation. For example, educational institutions may organize talks, community outreach programs, and other activities aimed at encouraging future generations of Latino medical professionals.

National Latino Physician Day is not only a celebration but also a crucial reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to improve healthcare access and equity for Latino communities. By promoting awareness and advocating for change, NLPD seeks to inspire a new generation of healthcare providers who can meet the unique needs of diverse populations in the United States.

Here are some highlights from National Latino Physician Day:

Estela Rodriguez:

“6% is not enough! We need more Latinx physicians to serve the growing Latino population. On October 1st, we celebrate the National Latinx Physician Day.”

Idalid “Ivy” Franco:

“National Latino Physician Day ASTRO24 In the U.S. Latino/a/e/x are greater than 19% of population but 6% of physicians. In Radiation Oncology  we are 5.6% of residents & 2% of practicing physicians.”

Jhoely Duque-Jimenez:

“In the U.S., 19% of the population is Latine and in NYC, nearly 30% of the population is Hispanic/Latine but nationally only 6% of physicians are Latine. These numbers must change so that our physician workforce can reflect the community and reduce existing Latine disparities.”

Katya Vera:

“Happy National Latino/a Physician Day! How can we provide culturally/linguistically competent care to the 40% of Latinos in CA, the 25% of Latinos around Stanford , and 18% of Latinos nationally? We need more than 6% of physicians to be Latino/o!”

Briana Christophers:

“Spending National Latino Physician Day in the OR! Can’t wait to soon be a Latinas In Medicine physician-scientist.”

Danna Garcia:

“Its National Latino Physician Day! And this intern is posting from the NICU. What an amazing experience it has been! Im so grateful! Second picture is my view after the 13 hr shift!”

Sarah Alba-Nguyen:

“Happy National Latino/a/é Physician Day!! We are a too small, but mighty 6% (2% Latinas!) pero necesitamos más!! Let’s keep pushing to grow our Latiné physician work force for our patients who need us. Pa’ lante!”

Katy Garcia:

“Happy National Latino Physician Day! I’m BEYOND PROUD to not only represent 6% of physicians who are Latino, but also to do it in my HOME COMMUNITY which is over 90% LATINO! My heart is so full today!”

Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez:

“Happy National Latino Physician Day! We are only 6.9% of physicians, but making a huge impact in healthcare. Proud to stand with my fellow Latino docs today and always!”

Holly J. Mitchel:

“In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and National Latino Physician Day (today, Oct 1), we celebrated a few of the countless Hispanic and Latinx community leaders who give back every day to our District and LA County.

National Latino Physician Day helps raise awareness and address the fact that nationwide, only 6% of physicians are Hispanic or Latinx despite nearly 1 in 5 people in the U.S. population identifying as Hispanic or Latinx.

Today, we honored students from USC Keck School of Medicine Latino Medical Student Association and the Latino Medical Student Association of Charles Drew University.

Thank you to both for these organizations working to cultivate and expand Latinx representation in the medical field and congratulations to all our 2nd District Hispanic Heritage Month honorees:

– Francisco Ochoa, Public Service Award
– Karla Alejandra Vasquez Perez, Youth Leadership Award
– Marilyn Chavez, Youth Leadership Award
– Oscar Lopez, Youth Leadership Award
– Gilverto Cetina, Owner of Holbox, the first Mexican Marisquería in the U.S. to earn a Michelin Star.”

Stephanie Moss:

“Today is National Latino Physician Day. I am proud to be a Mexican-American woman physician who focuses on the social determinants which impact physical and mental health. My journey as a LATINA.”

Jessica Rebaza:

“Happy National Latino Physicians Day from my co-residents and I!

Dr. Noah Crees
Dra. Jessica Rebaza
Dra. Emily Valentín-Méndez
Dr. Gerardo Pérez

If you are looking for a family physician in NC, check us out!”

Carolina Rivera:

“Happy National Latino Physician Day! This is what a Mexican-Uruguayan doctora looks like! 6% is not enough and there is even less Latina women in surgery! Necesitamos más!”

Sonia Bonifacio:

“On this 2nd National Latino/a Physician Day – I am so proud of ⁦Danielle Perez Sharp and her commitment to her patients, equity, and providing culturally concordant care!”

Jenny Ruiz:

“Celebrating National Latinx Physician Day with my amazing medical student mentee last week and intern on the peds oncology team today! 6% is Not Enough.”

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