In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Self-Care Spotlight will feature prominent Hispanic-American leaders who have contributed to Americans' health and wellness.
This week, we're shining a light on Dr. Elena Ríos, a Mexican-American physician and leading advocate for health equity, particularly for Hispanic and other underserved communities in the United States. She is currently the President and CEO of the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA), an organization dedicated to improving the health of Hispanic populations through leadership, advocacy, and policy initiatives.
After practicing as a primary care physician, Dr. Ríos shifted her focus toward public health and advocacy. In 1994, she founded the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA), which represents Hispanic physicians and works to improve healthcare for Hispanic and other underserved communities in the U.S.
Through her work with NHMA, Dr. Ríos has advocated for policies that promote health equity, including expanding access to healthcare, improving cultural competence in medical care, and reducing health disparities that affect Hispanic communities. She has worked closely with federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to develop programs aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for minorities.
Join us in celebrating the life and work of Dr. Elena Ríos!