The Latinx community is extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. This heavy burden can be attributed to the inequities in the social determinants of health, such as income, education, housing, and health care access (Despres, 2020). If we dig a bit deeper, we will also find that health literacy impacts these social determinants. Health literacy is defined as the degree to which an individual has the capacity to obtain, process, and understand health information and services to make appropriate health decisions (CDC, 2020).
My name is Jocelyn Mejia, MSN, PMHNP-BC which is a fancy way of saying that I’m a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I currently work at a community health center located in Lynn, Massachusetts, which is a city that is predominantly made up of Dominicans and Boricuas. I provide psychopharmacological treatments to my patients and mainly focus on treating PTSD, SUD, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and psychotic disorders. I’m proud of where I am today in my career but it was not an easy or linear journey.
My name is Christy Ruiz, and I am a public health graduate student applying to physician assistant (PA) school in May 2020. I aspire to become a primary care PA that serves my local community and remains involved in research and advocacy. My past clinical work experiences range from dental assistant to physical therapy aide. Recently, I completed a phlebotomy course and am looking forward to my externship. I wanted to share a little about my heritage and how it has shaped my academic journey and future in healthcare in hopes to inspire other minority students.
Hola! My name is Joseph Rojo. I’m a medical student. My mom is from Mexico. My dad’s family is also from Mexico, but his family history has been lost over the years. He was born in the U.S. and grew up during the era where Latinx families were essentially forced to assimilate. Like a lot of Latinx families, I have a large extended family. One of the best parts of having a large extended family is the immense gatherings. During these gatherings, we celebrate and continue to practice the traditions that serve as a connection to our Mexican identity.
My name is Yamileth Cazorla-Lancaster, also known as Dr. Yami, and I am a proud Latina in healthcare. I am a board-certified pediatrician, certified lifestyle medicine physician, certified health and wellness coach, podcast host, author, and speaker.
My name is Michelle DeJesus and I am a pediatric occupational therapist from Florida. Like many immigrant stories, my parents overcame many obstacles in order to live in this country to provide a better life for their children.
My name is Racquel Carranza-Chahal and I was born in Tucson, Arizona as a first generation Mexican-American. Like many other Latinx, education and hard work were big themes in my childhood. My father, orphaned at five, always dreamed of an education and encouraged my sisters and I to pursue our learning to the highest level.
My name is Luis Cabrera and I am currently a second-year medical student at the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from the California State University, Northridge.
My dad and abuelito have always humbled me. They're always astounded by the fact that people like us, with Latinx immigrant roots, have been able to make it to my position.
My name is Maria Dominguez and I’m currently working on a dual major in an accelerated BSN program and liberal arts. I was born in Mexico City and came to America at the age of three to live the “American Dream.”
