Expanding the Oncology Workforce


advancing the science of cancer in latinos proceedings oncology workforce

This content is from the "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings." Inclusion in Action: Breaking Open the Leaky Pipeline to Create Pathways & Design Spaces that Improve Representation Dr. Idalid “Ivy” Franco is Director of Equity, Access, and Inclusion, and works in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School. The effect of oppression on workforce representation Dr. Franco’s presentation began by looking at the historical context and systemic barriers to recruitment, retention, and professional success of a representative workforce. This historical context started with American slavery, followed by years of segregation, laying a foundation of ...

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Honoring Latino Military Heroes on Veteran’s Day


Lt. Evita Salles, a Latino Military Personnel for Veteran's Day

Veteran's Day is on Nov. 11, 2024. We at Salud America! are excited to honor all U.S. military personnel, including the Latinos, who have served our country. Latinos in the Military: History Latinos have a “proud and indeed enviable” record of military service that dates back to the Civil War, according to a U.S. Army historical website. About 20,000 Latino serviceman and women participated in Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1990-1991, 80,000 in the Vietnam War in 1959-1973, and more than 400,000 in World War II in 1939-1945. Latinos have received more than 40 Medals of Honor, according to the Department of Defense. “Whether their heritage can be traced to Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, or one of dozens of other Spanish-speaking countries or cultures, they’ve ...

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National Latino Physician Day: Spotlighting Healthcare, Education Disparities


National Latino Physician Day 2024

Latinos currently make up 19.5% of the US population.  Yet only 7% of physicians are Latino, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).  What’s more, only 2% of the 7% are Latina, according to the publication Latina Women in the U.S. Physician Workforce: Opportunities in the Pursuit of Health Equity.  Latino representation is vital to achieve health equity for all patients, including Latinos.  This glaring disparity can increase instances of racial and ethnic bias, delay preventative care, influence what kind of treatment someone receives, and cause a stronger mistrust of the healthcare system – all of which can disastrously impact Latino health.   During Hispanic Heritage Month we are honoring Latino physicians on National Latino Physician ...

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11 ‘Must See’ Movies that Celebrate Latino History and Culture


Three generation family family sitting on the sofa in living room, watching TV and eating popcorn

When you look up at the movie screen, what do you see?  Do you see someone who looks like you? Do you see someone you can relate to? Do you hear someone who speaks like you do?  Everyone deserves to be represented as the hero of the story, but for decades Latinos and Latino stories have been often left out by Hollywood.  However, some stories have come along to break the mold and rewrite what it means to be a Latino in the film industry.   Pioneers have given Latino movie creators and artists pathways to come up with stories that celebrate and honor the diversity of Latino culture.  These stories offer a deeper insight into the Latino experience and the challenges many must overcome to reach their dreams.  From animated box office hits that uplift to biopics that ...

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Art, Advocacy, and Amor: Celebrating the Legacy of Mary Louise Lopez



Whether with paint on canvas or a friendly chat in person, San Antonio artist Mary Louise Lopez always spread love and showcased the beauty of the human spirit. Mary Louise was a gifted artist in drawing, painting, sculpting, and batiking. The subjects of many of her paintings are indigenous communities of Texas, Mexico, Central America, and South America, where she often travelled and befriended many locals. Mary Louise, who passed away in November of 2022, portrayed the pride and strength of indigenous Latinos with great affection and care, said Irene Peche, a close family-friend. “She sought to capture their dignity and the work ethic by which they lived. There is an honesty in the depictions of her subjects that captures reality, beauty, and hardship without ...

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How Selena Quintanilla-Pérez Continues to Inspire Latinos Today


Selena Quintanilla Perez

As young kids, we all have dreams. Whether it’s a firefighter, a teacher, or an astronaut, we are inspired to do big things. For Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, better known as Selena, she dreamed of being a music artist – and that’s exactly what she did. “She had hopes and dreams just like the rest of us. She had a family that supported those dreams and did what they could to make them a reality. She may have achieved success as a recording artist but she never intended to limit herself,” according to Smithsonian Magazine. To honor Selena during Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s dive into her life, accomplishments, and how her legacy continues to live on in the Latino community. Selena and Her Humble Beginnings The youngest of 3 siblings, Selena was born in Lake ...

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Dr. Helen Rodríguez-Trías: A Latina Champion for Public Health



As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Salud America! is spotlighting some amazing Latinos. Dr. Helen Rodríguez-Trías blazed a trail for Latinos in public health. Rodríguez-Trías helped children as a pediatrician, advocated for rights for women and the underserved, and became the first Latina president of the American Public Health Association. Let’s explore her career, accomplishments, and how her legacy continues to inspire Latinos in health and medicine today! Dr. Helen Rodríguez-Trías: Early Life and Stepping Stones Helen Rodríguez-Trías was born in 1929 in New York but spent much of her early childhood in Puerto Rico. At the age of 10, Rodríguez-Trías returned to New York with her family. Rodríguez-Trías would learn English quickly and did well in ...

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