Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at CUIMC
Columbia University Irving Medical Center celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month this year with a host of events throughout the month. National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and recognizes the contributions that generations of Hispanic Americans have made to positively influence and enrich the United States and beyond. The theme of this year’s national celebration was “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.”
The month-long celebration kicked off on Sept. 24 with the Hispanic Heritage Festival on Haven Plaza, featuring traditional food, dancing, and live music performances. The event—organized by the Office of Academic and Community Partnerships and the LatinX Employee Resource Group—aimed to highlight accomplishments made by the Hispanic community, as well as provide an opportunity for attendees to learn about the history of Hispanic Heritage Month.
The Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Latino Association held a networking reception in celebration of National Latino Physician Day on Oct. 1. The event invited attendings, trainees, and medical students to connect, celebrate, and build relationships with colleagues across different fields.
“We were proud to host our first National Latino Physician Day event,” said Ana Cepin, co-president of the VP&S Latino Association and an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology. “National Latino Physician Day was established to celebrate and inspire the next generation of Latino and Latina physicians in the United States. Our association is committed to fostering the development, presence, and belonging of VP&S' Latino community to ultimately improve the health outcomes of the communities we serve.”
On Oct. 15, the Department of Medicine hosted a panel discussion titled “Trailblazers Unidos: Health Care Leaders Shaping the Future at Columbia/NYP and Beyond” featuring health care leaders of Hispanic heritage representing multiple generations and disciplines. During the discussion, panelists shared their contributions to health care excellence and the communities they serve. The event included a special tribute to Rafael A. Lantigua, associate dean for community service and professor of medicine at VP&S, accompanied by vibrant cultural performances.
Finally, on Oct. 18, students at the medical center hosted their own celebration in the ballroom at 50 Haven Ave. The Latino associations from all four schools at the medical center co-sponsored the event, offering the chance for students from VP&S, School of Nursing, Mailman School of Public Health, and College of Dental Medicine to mingle and enjoy.