Hispanic Heritage Month began on Sept. 15 and continues through Oct. 15, celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Throughout the month of celebration, we encourage you to share stories of Hispanic heritage through the culture's art, literature, notable figures, and personal accounts from those who have lived the Hispanic experience.Just one example of a Latina pioneer in medicine, is Antonia Novello, MD (1944 - )
When Antonia Novello became U.S. surgeon general in 1990, her name was etched in two history books: one for Hispanic people and one for women.
As a child in Puerto Rico, Novello suffered from a congenital digestive condition that her family could barely afford to treat. That experience motivated her to study medicine and ensure that care was available to all.
After earning her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico, Novello pursued pediatrics for a while but found the field too heart-wrenching. “When the pediatrician cries as much as the parents do, then you know it’s time to get out,” she said. Instead, she pursued a career in public health, working her way up at the National Institutes of Health for decades and eventually catching the attention of the White House.
As surgeon general, Novello focused on protecting the young and the vulnerable, addressing such issues as underage drinking and cigarette ads that targeted children. Novello noted the powerful call she felt to help others. “Service is the rent that you pay for living,” she said at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in 2016.
Outside of the AAMC, the National Museum of American History has an exhibit titled “¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States” which tells the history of diverse Latinas and Latinos, and how they contributed to U.S history and culture.
Learn more.
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Penny Schnarrs
Virtual Communities Program Manager
Association of American Medical Colleges
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