PHOENIX (Sept. 16, 2022) – As a way to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, Banner Health is presenting “Somos Banner Health” (“We are Banner Health”), a special project featuring interviews with various Hispanic medical experts, senior leadership executives, and frontline workers on social media. These interviews, publishing now through Oct. 15, show how the cultural upbringing of these leaders influenced their careers, and how their experiences can influence those who wish to enter the healthcare profession.
Media is invited to use any portion of the interviews located here, all of which are in English. They include:
- Dr. Pedro Rodriguez-Guggiari, chief of staff, internal medicine and geriatrics, Banner Del E Webb Medical Center
- Debbie Flores, CEO, Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
- Dr. George Figueroa, chief medical officer, Banner Ironwood Medical Center
- Lorina Medina, associate director of nursing, Banner Children’s at Desert Medical Center
- Dr. Ruben Espinoza, division medical director, Banner Medical Group
“National Hispanic Heritage Month means a lot, because we are cherishing cultural values and relevant behavioral tools that we can bring to the forefront in solving community and health problems,” said Dr. Rodriguez-Guggiari.
He also spoke on the impact that comes with sharing experiences Hispanics face that could help in improving the lives of everyone in the community. “It is tremendously impactful… to see Hispanic representation in the medical field, so that our culture can be understood and represented… and our people can teach about our cultural values.”
Dr. Rodriguez-Guggiari, a Paraguayan with tremendous influence from the Guarani and ancestral teachings, emphasized how his Hispanic background has influenced his career by incorporating traditions, such as Naturopathic and holistic approaches, when caring for his patients. He also encouraged Hispanic individuals to enter the medical field by discussing how they can offer a unique perspective due to their cultural background and upbringing.
“Go into medicine… you will make an impact in other people’s lives,” he said. “We need you, the community needs you, and always will.”
About Banner Health
Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country. In addition to 30 acute-care hospitals, Banner also has an academic division, Banner – University Medicine, and a partnership with one of the world’s leading cancer programs, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner’s array of services includes a health-insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division and a nursing registry. To make health care easier, 100% of Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits, and Banner operates a free 24/7 nurse line for health questions or concerns. Patients may also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and can book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com.
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