Latina Physicians at Columbia University Irving Medical Center Celebrating National Latino Physician Day

Hispanic Heritage Comes Alive Across CUIMC

October 7, 2026

National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, always resonates deeply and widely across CUIMC. And this year’s celebration, energized by its theme, “Unidos, Somos Mas: Together, We Are More,” was no exception.

There were guest speakers, networking opportunities, a screening of two documentary films, and plenty of food and fun. Here are a few highlights of CUIMC’s 2026 Hispanic Heritage celebrations.

Latino Physician Day

National Latino Physician Day, observed every Oct. 1, was established to raise the visibility and celebrate the contributions of Latino and Latina physicians in the U.S. and draw attention to their overall underrepresentation in medicine.

The VP&S celebration, at the Faculty Club, was sponsored by NewYork-Presbyterian and the VP&S Latino Association, which is co-led by Mara Minguez, assistant professor of pediatrics, and Ana Cepin, associate professor of obstetrics & gynecology. The celebration included inspirational speeches, salsa dance instruction, empanadas, and a message from Mayor Mamdani.

Hispanic Heritage 2026 — All photos by Rudy Diaz for CUIMC.

“This is our third celebration of Latino Physician Day,” said Minguez, “and our fourth year as the VP&S Latino Association. It’s been an amazing journey. Today is an opportunity to celebrate all we’ve accomplished, as well as an opportunity to recharge for the continuing work ahead.”

Interim dean James McKiernan congratulated the VP&S Latino Association for creating and maintaining connections between the VP&S faculty and the community of northern Manhattan. “We know that health outcomes improve when patients can identify with their caregivers, either through language, geography, or ethnicity,” McKiernan said. “This is the core group that ensures culturally competent care for everyone in our community, not just in Washington Heights, but all across New York City and the region.”

Following McKiernan, Colleen Koch, group senior vice president and chief operating officer of NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia Division, spoke of the significance of the event from the perspective of caregivers. “Folks know that representation creates a connection. It creates mentorship, a sense of belonging, and opportunities for the next generation of physicians to actually see what’s possible.”

Helen Arteaga, deputy mayor of health and human services for the City of New York, addressed the gathering and read a message from her boss: “Mayor Mamdani writes that, ‘It is the urgent work of groups such as the VP&S Latino Association to attack health care disparities and systemic racism. On behalf of the City of New York, please accept my best wishes for this inspiring event and for your future success. Sincerely, Mayor Mamdani.’”