October 1, 2026
Contact: LAgeneralPIO@dhs.lacounty.gov
LA General Celebrates Latino Physicians During Hispanic Heritage Event
With more than 70% of its patients identifying as Latino, LA General highlights the importance of physician representation, culturally responsive care and building a stronger health care workforce for the communities it serves
LOS ANGELES — LA General Medical Center joined Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, physicians, staff and community members Wednesday to recognize Latino physicians and highlight the importance of representation in medicine at a hospital where more than 70% of patients identify as Latino.
The recognition was a centerpiece of LA General’s Hispanic Heritage Health Fair & Physician Celebration, bringing together health, culture and community while drawing attention to a significant gap in the nation’s health care workforce.
In 2024, only 6.7% of active U.S. physicians identified as Hispanic or Latino, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.
For LA General, that disparity has particular significance. The Medical Center serves a predominantly Latino patient population, including many patients and families who speak Spanish and may encounter language, cultural, economic or other barriers when accessing health care.
“Many of the patients who come through our doors speak Spanish, come from Latino families and communities, and may face language or cultural barriers when seeking care,” said Jorge Orozco, Chief Executive Officer of LA General Medical Center. “There is something powerful about seeing a physician who looks like you, speaks your language or understands your culture and your family. It can help build trust, strengthen communication and make patients feel seen, heard and cared for with dignity and compassion.”
Supervisor Solis joined Orozco, LA General physicians and community members during the recognition program celebrating Latino physicians and their contributions to the health and well-being of communities throughout Los Angeles County.
“LA General has long been a place where opportunity, service and excellence come together. Many of the physicians we honor today have dedicated their careers to caring for communities that too often face barriers to health care, while also inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in medicine. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize not only their contributions to patient care, but their role in strengthening our health care workforce and helping ensure Los Angeles County remains a place where every resident can access high-quality care close to home,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis.
The celebration also underscored LA General’s broader mission of advancing health equity and addressing the social and community factors that influence health. Health is shaped by more than what happens during a medical appointment. Access to nutritious food, education, transportation, economic stability, language access and the ability to navigate the health care system can all influence a person’s health and well-being. For a public safety-net hospital, understanding those challenges is an important part of caring for the whole patient.
“Representation in medicine is ultimately about the patient,” Orozco said. “We want every person who comes to LA General to feel understood and respected. We also want young people in our community to see physicians who reflect them and know that they, too, can become doctors, nurses and health care leaders. Building that pipeline is part of how we create a healthier and more equitable future for the communities we serve.”
The physician celebration also highlighted the importance of developing the next generation of health care professionals from communities that remain underrepresented in medicine.
As a major public teaching hospital, LA General plays an important role in educating and training future physicians and other health care professionals while caring for one of Los Angeles County’s most diverse patient populations.
By recognizing Latino physicians, LA General hopes to celebrate their service while showing students and young people throughout the community that careers in medicine and health care are within reach.
The event extended that mission beyond the hospital walls by connecting patients, families and community members with health and social resources.
Activities included blood pressure and BMI screenings, hands-only CPR training, health and community resources and a food drive hosted by CARES.
The celebration also featured Folklórico, Mariachi Divas and a Brazilian cultural performance, reflecting the rich cultures and traditions represented among the communities LA General serves.
ABOUT LA GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER
MEDIA CONTACT:
LA General Office of Communications & Public Affairs
lageneralPIO@dhs.lacounty.gov
About Los Angeles General Medical Center
Los Angeles General Medical Center is a 606 bed, Level One Trauma Center operated by Health Services Los Angeles County. A Magnet®-designated hospital in affiliation with the University of Southern California (USC) and the College of Nursing, LA General is a leader in trauma and specialty care, delivering cutting-edge treatment through its world-class Burn Center, Level III Neonatal ICU, and comprehensive pediatric and psychiatric emergency services. The hospital combines clinical excellence, innovation, and education to set the standard for advanced healthcare across Southern California.
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