Highlighting the experiences of Latin American Physicians
October is Latin American Heritage Month in Canada.
Our department spoke with Drs. Denise Medeiros and Fabricio Zasso about their experience as Latin American physicians and how their culture has inspired their physician philosophies.
Also, learn about the Hispanic Medical Students Association @ University of Toronto!
How did you become interested in anesthesia as a medical specialty?
Dr. Medeiros:Anesthesia was a big surprise for me. During medical school, I was looking for a specialty where I could use my clinical skills and, at the same time, perform procedures in the operating room. For me, anesthesia has the best of both worlds. We must be very familiar with and have deep knowledge about physiology and pharmacology. It's a very dynamic routine, and every day we are doing different procedures, providing anesthesia to different surgical specialties, and exercising clinical reasoning with different individuals. Finally, and most importantly, being able to help people when they are most vulnerable and make this moment free of pain is the most rewarding thing.
Dr. Zasso:My father was an anesthesiologist. So, I always knew about the advantages and disadvantages of the specialty. He did not push me to choose anesthesiology but always explained the good, the bad, and the ugly about being an anesthesiologist. I actually refuted the idea of being an anesthesiologist during my first years of medical school. I was more interested in cardiology. However, midway into medical school, I realized that a clinic-based specialty was not for me. In my last year of medicine, I decided to give anesthesia a chance. I came on a Saturday to shadow an anesthesiologist on call. I was supposed to observe for a few hours and ended up staying overnight. The spark was lit, and my decision was made. Nowadays, I do not see myself doing anything else in medicine.
As a healthcare professional from Latin America, how has your culture and heritage influenced your approach to patient care and medical practice?
Dr. Medeiros:We from Latin America are well known as very warm, loving, and empathic people. We genuinely like to take care of others and cheer them up. This trait reflects directly on the way I approach my patients and how I provide them with care. It's so powerful to be able to put patients at ease and transform such a scary moment in a person's life into one that they can feel confident and safe.
Dr. Zasso:I believe the most important aspect of Latin culture and heritage that influences my practice is how we interact with the patient. Latin Americans generally have great soft skills, allowing good interaction with patients and all the professionals we work with in the operating room. In anesthesia, this is important, as coming for surgery is always a stressful situation. I apply it in my daily practice, speaking gently and trying to establish some degree of empathy with the patient. It makes them comfortable and will lead to a better experience in a moment of fragility.
What advice do you have for aspiring healthcare professionals who are interested in pursuing a career in anesthesia, particularly those with a strong connection to Latin American culture and heritage?
Dr. Medeiros: My advice for those who want to pursue a career in anesthesia is to never forget who you are and where you came from. Remember that you are always dealing with someone with their own history. You are taking care of someone's partner, someone's mother or father, or someone's daughter or son. And the way you approach them and take care of them can change their lives.
Dr. Zasso:I am enthusiastic about a career in anesthesia. Although the specialty demands a high level of commitment and seriousness and sometimes long hours, the benefits outweigh the hazards. For professionals with Latin American connections, I suggest using this natural gentleness. I am sure your patients and colleagues will appreciate and value it.
The Hispanic Medical Students Association
Background
The Hispanic Medical Students Association (HMSA) was formed to bring together and foster a community of medical students of Hispanic heritage, as well as all students, regardless of ethnic background, who are interested in Latin American culture and health. The group aims to address issues related to the under-representation of Hispanic medical students in Ontario and support their transition from learners to medical professionals through interprofessional networking. The HMSA also aims to increase the knowledge and understanding among medical students of all backgrounds of social determinants of health related to the Hispanic population within the Greater Toronto Area. By accomplishing these goals, the HMSA ultimately strives to improve the healthcare the GTA’s significant Hispanic and Latin American communities receive.
