REP. RUIZ INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION DESIGNATING OCTOBER 1st AS NATIONAL LATINO AND LATINA PHYSICIAN DAY

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On September 28, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), joined by Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), introduced a bipartisan resolution designating October 1st as National Latino and Latina Physician Day.

Latinos make up nearly one in five Americans, yet only 6.7 percent of U.S. physicians are Latino or Latina, and just 2.8 percent are Latina. By 2050, Latinos are projected to represent more than one in four people in the United States and one in three children. At the same time, the nation faces a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036.

Research shows that when patients share the language and culture of their doctors, care and outcomes improve. Growing the Latino and Latina physician workforce means better health for our communities and for the nation.

"Growing up in a farmworker family taught me what it means to go without care, so I became an Emergency Physician to serve under resourced communities," said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. "Today, too many Latino families still can't find a doctor who speaks their language or understands their cultures. This resolution recognizes the Latino and Latina physicians working to close that gap, and it challenges us to open more doors for the next generation."

"Trust in medical care is essential. Physicians that understand their community and are a reflection of it are critical when building and establishing that trust," said Rep. Salazar. "As our nation faces a healthcare workforce shortage, I am proud to co-lead this resolution that supports Latino and Latina physicians, who are helping to close gaps in care and serve as a trustworthy pillar of their community."

The resolution supports increasing the number of Latino and Latina physicians and expanding diversity in the medical field. It has earned the support of leading national medical organizations.

"The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) is proud support National Latino and Latina Physicians Day and thank Rep. Ruiz and Rep. Salazar for their bipartisan work in highlighting the work of physicians critical to improving the health of patients and communities nationwide. As the nation faces a persistent physician shortage, we must support policies that increase to access to careers in medicine for future Latino and Latina physicians, and everyone in the next generation of doctors," said Danielle Turnipseed, JD, MHSA, MPP, chief public policy officer, AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges)

"The National Hispanic Medical Association supports H.Res. 1589, introduced by Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D., recognizing October 1 as National Latino and Latina Physician Day. We need more Latino physicians serving our communities. This day not only highlights the significant underrepresentation of Latinos in the physician workforce but also recognizes the tremendous work Latino physicians do every day to care for patients and communities across our nation. We are proud to support this resolution and its recognition of the Latino physicians who serve our country," said Gilbert Burgos, M.D., MPH, President of the National Hispanic Medical Association.

The full text of the resolution is available HERE