Dr. Daphne Nunille González Muñoz’s story is one of perseverance, passion and purpose, an example of how one person's dedication can ripple across borders and generations.
Born and raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, González Muñoz, stood out as a trailblazer in her family growing up. While her father pursued a career in journalism, her mother dedicated herself to raising the family, and her two brothers entered the legal profession, González Muñoz aspired to join the medical field since she was a little girl, aiming to make a difference in people's lives.
"What drew me to medicine was knowing how I could help people in a more meaningful way," she said.
Her family wholeheartedly supported her ambitions and instilled values in her that laid the foundation for her journey through medical school at the University of Guadalajara.
During her internship, González Muñoz participated in a student exchange program that welcomed peers from Europe and South America. This experience broadened her perspective and deepened her appreciation for cultural exchange.
"There were students from all over the world," she said. "It was gratifying because I made friends from every part of the world."
During her residency, she trained in Spain under renowned vascular surgeons, gaining hands-on experience in vascular surgery that immediately captivated her during her medical school rotations.
"I was drawn to the precise nature of the procedures we perform and the various diseases we encounter. It's about saving a leg in cases of critical limb ischemia, treating aneurysms, and addressing trauma surgery. When I witnessed vascular trauma during my internship, I realized that this was the path I wanted to pursue," she explained.
She completed both her internship and residency at the University of Guadalajara and remembers working in hospitals serving uninsured patients, many of whom come from rural and Indigenous communities.
"Working with such a large population taught me the importance of having access to education and the opportunity to assist these individuals. If hospitals like this didn't exist, many people would not have the chance to receive the surgeries they need," she said.
After completing her residency, she moved to Mexico City, where she seized a significant opportunity to work and develop under the mentorship of leading vascular surgeons.
"I was able to work alongside vascular surgeons who have become my mentors and learn about endovascular surgery. Being immersed in this environment and having daily contact with such skilled professionals has undoubtedly transformed me and shaped my career," she said.
González Muñoz is an associate professor at Centro Médico Nacional 20 de Noviembre ISSSTE, where she mentors residents in vascular surgery.
Her commitment to education and representation extends beyond the hospital, as she is the current president of the Mexican chapter of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS). In this role, she is passionate about increasing Hispanic and Mexican representation in international vascular surgery forums.
"I saw a lack of representation of Mexico in SVS meetings. I wanted to change that to allow our residents to present their work and show the high-quality surgeries and research we do here," she said.
Under her leadership, SVS has become more integrated into Mexico's national vascular meetings, fostering collaboration and encouraging more Mexican surgeons to engage with SVS programs.
González Muñoz also champions the SVS Foundation's public education campaigns, particularly those addressing peripheral arterial disease and diabetes.
"These programs are essential for educating the public, uniting members and sharing our experiences. It's important to support the SVS Foundation and help develop more initiatives like these," she said.
González Muñoz’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, representation, and purpose-driven leadership. Her work continues to uplift underserved communities, inspire future generations of surgeons and strengthen ties between Mexico and the global vascular surgery community. Through her dedication to education, mentorship, and advocacy, she embodies the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating culture, breaking barriers, and paving the way for others to follow.
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