Dear colleagues,
National Hispanic Heritage month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) provides us with an opportunity to recognize the richness of diverse cultures within the Hispanic and Latin community. Hispanic people are the largest minority group in the U.S., including people from Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South and Central America and other Spanish origins. In a recent report by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hispanic population accounted for 71% of the overall growth in the U.S. between 2022 and 2023. They are our friends and our neighbors; our co-workers and colleagues; our public advocates and our patients — all contributing their talents, sharing their cultures and communicating their needs as essential components of our rich and diverse caregiving community. Over the past year, the School of Medicine formed the Hispanic Coalition for Healthcare and Academics (HCHA) to foster a sense of community and advocate for priorities that impact faculty, staff and learners from Hispanic backgrounds. Led by Gonzalo Bearman, M.D., M.P.H., chair of the Division of Infectious Diseases, and Maria Teves, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of OB-GYN, the HCHA hosts events like a recent presentation by Leticia Flores, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine, on health care priorities identified by the National Hispanic Medical Association.
Upcoming events
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the SOM Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and its partners are sponsoring the following events:
- Hispanic Heritage Celebration:
Wednesday, Sept. 18, noon – 1 p.m.
Attend via Zoom - Latinas and Maternal and Child Health: Research, Policy and Representation
Monday, Oct.14, noon – 1 p.m.
Kontos Medical Sciences Building Auditorium
Cynthia Lebron, Ph.D., M.P.H., assistant professor at the University of Miami and president of the American Public Health Association Latino Caucus for Public Health, will discuss topics such how acculturation impacts maternal and child health outcomes among Latinas, the limitations of the term “Latino” and the unique health challenges faced by Afro-Latino communities.
I encourage you all to participate, learn and engage this month, as we continue our progress in advancing the SOM as a positive, caregiving force in our increasingly diverse community.
Respectfully,
Arturo P. Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D.
Dean, VCU School of Medicine
Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, VCU Health System