The Latino population in the United States has multiplied enormously over the past few decades. According to Census data, Latinos now represent nearly 20% of the U.S. population and form a vibrant, essential part of the nation’s social, economic, and cultural fabric. Yet despite this rapid growth, the number of Latino doctors has barely increased. According to figures from the AAMC, less than 6% of practicing physicians identify as Latino, and only 2.4% of them are women.

This gap is not just about representation; it’s about public health, trust, and equity. Millions of Latino patients visit hospitals and clinics every year, where, too often, no one speaks their language or understands their cultural background. The consequences can be serious: communication errors, misdiagnoses, and a deep mistrust of the medical system.

Beyond social justice, there is a practical reason to act: the U.S. healthcare system needs Latino doctors. As the Latino population grows, so does the number of patients who need –or prefer– care in Spanish. The pandemic exposed how cultural and linguistic gaps can cost lives. Communities with fewer bilingual and bicultural healthcare providers suffered higher infection rates and had less access to reliable information.

Why aren’t there more Latino doctors?

The answer starts long before the doors of medical school. Many Latino students are never encouraged to pursue this career. In too many schools and universities, academic counselors still steer Latino students toward “less ambitious,” shorter, or cheaper options. When a student with science talent is told that medicine is too competitive or expensive, the implicit message is: “This profession isn’t for you.”

Counselors and educators play a crucial role in reversing this trend. Every young person who shows interest in science or health should hear: “This is for you—you belong here.” Universities, especially those with large Latino enrollments, should strengthen their pre-med programs, build mentorship networks, and establish partnerships with medical schools. Role models matter. When a Latino student meets a doctor who shares their language and culture, the idea of becoming a physician stops being a distant dream and becomes a real possibility.

On the other hand, even with proper encouragement, the cost of medical education remains a monumental barrier. Tuition at a U.S. medical school can easily exceed $250.000, without counting undergraduate studies or the years of lost income during training. For first-generation students or families without substantial savings, that figure is not just daunting, it’s prohibitive.

Unfortunately, financial barriers still determine who can and cannot enter the medical profession. The result is a workforce that, while dedicated to serving everyone, does not reflect the nation’s diversity. Latino students, who more often come from low- or middle-income families, remain at a disadvantage.

Although there had been progress, recent months have brought troubling setbacks, with scholarship programs for underrepresented students being reduced or eliminated. Medical schools must respond to these cuts and reassess their tuition structures to compensate.

This problem cannot be solved by isolated individual efforts; it requires coordinated policies. Medical schools must invest in outreach programs and partnerships with Hispanic-serving institutions. Philanthropic organizations and private donors can fund scholarships to lower economic barriers. And the federal government should strengthen access programs —such as the Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP)— which help students from disadvantaged backgrounds enter health professions.

Latinos already form the backbone of the American workforce: they build cities, teach in schools, and feed the nation. It’s time they were also represented among the white coats in our hospitals and clinics. If we want a healthcare system that serves everyone equitably, we must ensure that everyone has the opportunity to serve within it. Encouragement, access, and affordability are not luxuries; they are the pillars of a fair medical system and a more inclusive, diverse society.

The upcoming 2025 Minority Health Sciences Symposium is an opportunity to turn dreams into action. On Friday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Esperanza College will host its ninth annual edition. The event’s goal is to inspire young people to pursue careers in health sciences in order to build a more diverse industry and reduce health disparities.

This year’s main topic will be cancer, a disease that impacts countless families. Attendees will hear from distinguished speakers such as Dr. Bernarda Viteri, Dr. Jaleesa Jackson, and Dr. Monique Gary. There will also be panels highlighting different health professions, along with hands-on activities such as dissections, DNA extraction, and opportunities to use modern technology to learn about the human body.