Like many of you, my identity was tested during medical training. As a Latina in medicine, I am often the only Latinx/Hispanic physician or scientist in the room. As my career continued to grow, I learned that academic medicine was based on stereotypes that were mentioned and reinforced often; I did not look "like doctors supposed to look." Phrases like "you are so Latina" made me feel isolated and like I did not belong in medicine, leading to depression and a growing imposter syndrome that invaded all of my academic activities.
After years of trying to hide key pieces of my personality to fit in, I discovered that I brought something to the table: my unique understanding of the challenges faced by trainees from underrepresented groups in medicine and the Latinx/Hispanic patient population.
This route of self-discovery led to awards and publications, and I realized that my calling was to support others like me. I co-founded the #LatinasInMedicinecommunity (now composed of over 6500 members), developed a mentorship network for underrepresented minorities, and, most importantly, serve as an example to others like me. The face of medicine is changing, and we are here to demonstrate that. Subsequently, I decided to create and grow the Duma Lab, a place where trainees and researchers from all backgrounds will feel welcome, supported, and empowered.
