Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
Conversation with Dr. Yvonne "Bonnie" Maldonado
September 16, 2024
To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15), we are honored to feature an inspiring conversation with Yvonne "Bonnie" Maldonado, MD, the interim chair of Stanford’s Department of Medicine.
Maldonado, a first-generation Mexican-American, is a distinguished leader in the field of medicine, with a career dedicated to advancing public health. The first in her family to attend college, she earned her bachelor’s degree from UCLA before pursuing her medical degree at Stanford University School of Medicine. After completing her residency and fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Maldonado joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer, where she began her work on preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I am a first generation Mexican-American from Southern California. My parents immigrated to the US as newlyweds, sponsored by my grandmother who had moved to the US from Mexico during the depression.
I grew up in a close-knit, blue-collar Latino community in East Los Angeles. My family was deeply involved in community service, which instilled in me, from an early age, a strong understanding of the importance of community and the value of giving back. My early interest in science blended with those values and led me to consider medicine and public health.
As an Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officer at the CDC, I had the opportunity to learn about the Public Health Service and how important public health was to building healthy communities.
Latinos are among the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the United States, but their representation in the medical field is still significantly lacking. What actions do you think could be taken to tackle these challenges?
Latinos are often referred to as the “sleeping giant” of the United States because, despite being a large demographic group, we are frequently underrecognized. It's important to understand that Latinos are not a monolithic group; we encompass diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, cultures, and traditions.
Strengthening connections to economic and educational opportunities and fostering a sense of belonging in the American Dream is crucial for Latino communities. This includes elevating leaders and role models in mainstream culture.
Additionally, I believe that the current false narratives in politics and popular media, which unfairly attribute negative characteristics to Latino populations, are harmful and should be actively challenged and discouraged.
What do you think is the importance of cultural competence in healthcare, especially in relation to the Latino/a/x community?
In every community, it's important to explore and understand local cultural practices and traditions to effectively support, educate, and promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles. This is especially crucial in lower socioeconomic communities and those with limited resources.
What advice would you give to young Latin/o/a/x individuals aspiring to enter the medical field?
Building social networks and creating opportunities are crucial for establishing an early trajectory. Seek out role models within your community and connect with individuals or organizations that offer mentorship and educational opportunities. Focus on building alliances and forming partnerships that promote positive cultural values and boost self-esteem.
Strengthening connections to economic & educational opportunities and fostering a sense of belonging in the American Dream is crucial for Latino communities.
– Bonnie Maldonado, MD
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