As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, the SVS Foundation's Voices of Vascular Program celebrates vascular surgeons' accomplishments and cultural contributions, such as Gabriela Velazquez, MD. An immigrant from Mexico, Velazquez is now an associate professor and vice chair of the Vascular Surgery Department at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, where she also serves as program director for their vascular surgery training programs. Reflecting on her journey, she recalls her family's strength and relentless pursuit of education.
My journey is one familiar to many immigrants. I was born and raised in Mexico, with a close family and dozens of cousins. Even though money was tight initially, my mother always made us feel like we had it all; she is a master multitasker and one of the hardest-working people I know. She always told me and my sisters that her best inheritance to us was our education, so she worked very hard to ensure we had access to the best education possible. She also made us constantly aware that opportunities did not come on a silver platter. As much as she worked long days, we were expected to try our best at everything we did. Ultimately, education was our way to open doors, and every time an opportunity came along, we took advantage of it. The dream to go to the U. S. to be a surgeon was getting closer; however, it seemed yet so far. We encounter people who are quick to offer advice or insight; that being said, it is not always positive or encouraging. We didn't realize it then, but it could be detrimental to pursuing our dreams. Hang on to those who support you for good, the ones who believe in you, trust you and see the grit and fire that keeps you fighting forward and to do the right thing.
Bringing in perspectives from my upbringing helps me meaningfully integrate my culture into my daily life. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career has been mentoring students and residents from underrepresented minorities. Sharing my experiences with them—both the struggles and the successes—has allowed me to encourage and empower them to keep pushing forward and to stand up for what’s right. I know firsthand how hard it can be to feel isolated when you’re away from your family and culture, but finding a community that shares your background can make all the difference. When I see patients in my clinic from Central and South America, we often talk about their journeys and their favorite foods, which are almost always Mexican food, of course! Moments like these remind me that I’m contributing to something bigger than myself, helping to create a space where people feel understood and represented.
My family and I love participating in local Hispanic health fairs and community events; I also serve as the Liaison for Spanish-speaking populations with the American Heart Association (AHA) to increase awareness of vascular disease in our community. It’s a great way for my family and me to connect with our community and share our traditions with others. The Hispanic population in the area is growing, and it’s wonderful to see more families joining us every day. Volunteering with organizations that support new families from Central and South America has been especially rewarding. We help them settle into the community by finding jobs, securing healthcare and providing other essential resources. It’s an important way to give back and help families feel welcome. I encourage others to get involved, too—volunteering is a powerful way to make a real difference and strengthen the bonds in our community.
Our members can raise awareness during Hispanic Heritage Month by focusing on health equity and community outreach, particularly for underserved Hispanic populations. Organizing educational events that address healthcare disparities, such as barriers related to language and socioeconomic factors, can shine a light on issues like diabetes and vascular diseases that disproportionately affect minorities. Additionally, partnering with local Hispanic organizations for free health screenings and services can provide immediate support while advocating for policies that improve access to care for minorities. Highlighting the contributions of Hispanic healthcare professionals and engaging in mentorship programs for underrepresented students can inspire the next generation of vascular surgeons.
Diverse representation in medicine and vascular surgery is crucial as it directly impacts the quality of care we provide, especially to underserved populations. As an immigrant from Mexico and a vascular surgeon committed to improving access for minorities, I’ve seen firsthand how cultural understanding, language proficiency, and diverse perspectives can build trust and enhance patient relationships and outcomes. A diverse workforce brings a wide range of experiences and insights that allow us to address healthcare disparities more effectively, ensuring that care is equitable and accessible to all. Having a workforce that reflects the diversity of our patient population can drive innovation in treatment approaches and foster stronger patient-surgeon relationships. Representation enriches our profession and strengthens our ability to serve our communities.
Contributing to the SVS Foundation as part of the Voices of Vascular campaign is a powerful way for SVS members to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our specialty. One key reason is that funding these initiatives helps create programs supporting underrepresented medical students, residents and fellows, fostering a more inclusive environment within vascular surgery. For example, scholarships and mentorship opportunities funded by the Foundation can help to level the playing field for individuals from minority backgrounds, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed in their careers.
Additionally, members can contribute to research and education addressing healthcare disparities by supporting this campaign. This can lead to innovative approaches that better serve minority patients, such as culturally competent care models and targeted interventions for conditions like diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, which disproportionately affect these populations. Moreover, contributing to the campaign underscores a collective commitment to reshaping the future of vascular surgery into a more equitable and diverse specialty, ultimately benefiting patients and professionals alike.
By investing in these efforts, SVS members can help drive meaningful change, ensuring that our specialty is more reflective of the diverse communities we serve and that all patients have access to the highest quality of care.
When you donate to the SVS Foundation, you support Voices of Vascular's important work in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Learn more and make your gift today.