While the number of Hispanic doctors who have and continue to make history is never-ending; there are some who have marshaled their strengths, talents and educational backgrounds to forge unexplored frontiers; ultimately paving the way for others to follow in their footsteps. The following is an active sampling of Hispanic physicians who have changed the face of medicine and effected international growth. Check back periodically: we will be adding Hispanic doctors to our profiles on a regular basis.
One Hispanic woman who made history and serves as an impeccable role model is Serena Auñón (M.D., M.P.H.) who was born on April 9, 1976 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Not only was she the second female Hispanic NASA astronaut; she was also the first Hispanic female medical doctor to become a NASA astronaut. She is an engineer as well.
Auñón began her educational trek at George Washington University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. She then attended the University of Texas (Health Sciences Center) where she received a Doctorate of Medicine as well as Masters of Public Health at UT’s Medical Branch.
Initially hired by NASA to “assist in medical operations for the International Space Station;” she was later chosen to be an astronaut and had her first mission in 2012 when she “piloted a DeepWorker 2000 Submersible for an exploration mission off Key Largo, Florida.”
anseco González (1921-2009)Dr. Carlos Canseco garnered worldwide attention as not only an exceptional physician; but also for his work as a philanthropist. He was named a “Public Health Hero of the Americas” in 2002 by the Pan American Health Organization.
Dr. Canseco received his MD from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM); later specializing in Allergology at Northwestern University and Clinical Immunology at the University of Pittsburgh. In Mexico he made history teaching the first university class ever in Allergology, as well as acquiring monies needed to build Monterrey’s first Hospital for Children. In 1982-1984 he worked to obliterate polio and together with Albert Sabin developed an aerosol vaccination. Other works he is famous for include:
In 1990 George Bush appointed Dr. Antonia Novello to the post of Surgeon General of the United States. She was not only the first woman to be named, but also, she was the first Hispanic to have ever received the honor. Dr. Antonia Novello was familiar with “firsts;” she was the first woman at the University of Michigan to be named “Intern of the Year.” Highlights of her public service work include:
The uniqueness and greatness of Dr. Martinez was to be found in his extraordinary ability to be a master in the sciences and politics, as well as the arts. A well-known physician with an obstetric specialty, Martinez was a surgeon, professor, honored poet, publisher and government servant. His achievements and accomplishments include a wide range of diversity:
Referred to as “Local hero” or “Local legend” in her Texas community; Dr. Catalina Esperanza Garcia was one of the first Hispanic women to graduate from the University of Texas-Southwestern Medical School. She is also an honored recipient of the Hispanic 100’s Latina Living Legend Award (2013).
Dr. Severo Ochoa was famous for his work as both a doctor and biochemist. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1959 for synthesizing RNA (ribonucleic acid). Other notable accomplishments and work include:
Dr. Nora VolkowAccording to a news report published by the Partnership for Drug Free Kids, there are over 23.5 million substance abusers in the United States alone. The worldwide estimation of drug-dependent people is somewhere around 210 million. One of the most influential research psychiatrists in the field of substance abuse and addiction is a female Hispanic, Dr. Nora Volkow.
Dr. Volkow is both the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and also an accomplished scientist. Volkow is probably best known for introducing brain imaging to the medical field as a means to assess, evaluate and treat addictions plaguing millions of individuals around the globe. Born in Mexico City and receiving her MD from National University of Mexico in Mexico City; Volkow attended New York University for her psychiatry residency. As the author of over 600 articles (peer-reviewed) and 95 chapters for books; Dr. Volkow’s fame is world-wide. Her accomplishments include:
Born in 1951 in Mexico City; Dr. Ramirez has gained international recognition as a highly respected psychiatrist, learned scholar and dedicated politician. Under President Ernesto Zedillo, Dr. Ramirez was appointed as Secretary of Health from 1994-1999 and went o
n to be named Chancellor of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM); the college from which he received his MD. His residency in Psychiatry was completed at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. His achievements include:
Opera Medicinalia: The 1st medical book published in America (1570) Author Dr. Francisco Bravo
One of the most influential scholars in the history of medicine is Dr. Francisco Bravo. While photographic images of the famous physician are rare; his legacy is still celebrated at colleges around the world. As the University of Texas at Austin report their project PRIMEROS LIBROS is undertaking the digitization of the historic text. Interestingly, the original book was published only 3 decades after the invention of the printing press. It contains 4 treatises which discuss:
Dr. Frenk is a Spa
nish-speaking medical doctor of Mexican-American descent. He has made recent history by his appointment as the first Hispanic president of the University of Miami. He was also the first Hispanic Dean at the Harvard School of Public Health. His other achievements include:
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