The Inspiration: Reyna

What motivated you to start Latinos in Neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery is a fascinating field, characterized by its complexity and technical challenges. Along my journey, I have had the privilege of meeting remarkable individuals who share a passion for this discipline. Several organizations, such as Women in Neurosurgery (WINS) and the American Society of Black Neurosurgeons (ASBN), have been established to celebrate diversity and foster inclusivity within the field. My involvement with WINS began early in my medical school career. This group has provided a welcoming space in neurosurgery and introduced me to many future colleagues. Inspired by my positive experiences with WINS, I began to wonder: “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a similar group for Latinos?” This thought sparked the creation of Latinos in Neurosurgery.

As of 2021, only 5.6% of US-based neurosurgeons identified as Hispanic, despite Latinos comprising 19% of the US population and up to 40% in some regions. This disparity underscores the urgent need for greater representation within the field. Advocacy and visibility are essential first steps in addressing this gap.

The goal of creating this group is to form a community of individuals who are invested in providing culturally competent neurosurgical care for patients, in increasing research to improve outcomes for Latino patients, and in creating a network of physicians, residents, and medical students to inspire future generations of Latino neurosurgeons in the US.

Why do you believe it’s important to highlight and support Latinos in neurosurgery?

Having an organized group of individuals working together towards the same goals and ideals is a powerful way to drive change, foster representation, and create opportunities. For Latinos in neurosurgery, this means building a supportive community that not only uplifts its members but also works to address health disparities, increase cultural competency in patient care, and inspire future generations to pursue and thrive in this field.