National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from mid-September to mid-October, honors Hispanic Americans' rich history, culture, and contributions to the United States. It’s a time for reflection, recognition, and celebration of Hispanic individuals' impact across all industries, including healthcare. One such individual who embodies these values is Nicole Lopez, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, Clara Maass Medical Center, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and Jersey City Medical Center. She specializes in the treatment of the hand and upper extremities.
Dr. Lopez, a proud Colombian American from Hudson County, New Jersey, embarked on her journey in orthopedic surgery, unaware of the profound impact she would have on the Hispanic community. It was during her residency in New York City that she first encountered the language barriers many Hispanic patients faced when seeking care. This experience ignited her passion to be a resource for her community, ensuring Hispanic patients receive quality care and comprehend their medical procedures and treatments.
For Dr. Lopez, communication is key. One of the Hispanic cultural values she finds most inspiring in her work is the deep family ties that shape decision-making in Hispanic households. “Keeping the family in the loop is crucial,” Dr. Lopez says, noting that often, she has to repeat information several times to multiple family members to ensure understanding. By providing this clarity, Dr. Lopez helps families feel empowered and involved in their loved ones’ care, a vital aspect of building trust between patients and healthcare providers.
Dr. Lopez also recognizes the challenges Hispanic Americans face in the medical field, including the lack of representation. Not having a medical professional who speaks Spanish during an appointment can lead to communication barriers or mistrust in the healthcare system. “Patients need to know they can request interpreters and push for communication in their preferred language,” she says. This advocacy for clear communication and cultural understanding is a critical part of RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to bridging care gaps in the Hispanic community.
Orthopedics, in particular, is an area where health disparities can have a long-lasting impact. Many Hispanic women, for example, are not taking adequate steps to maintain bone health as they age, often due to a lack of education and access to care. Dr. Lopez stresses the importance of regular check-ups, staying active through resistance training, and maintaining a balanced, healthy diet. These preventative measures are key to reducing the risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions that disproportionately affect older women in Hispanic communities.
As a mentor, Dr. Lopez is passionate about supporting other women in orthopedics, a field traditionally dominated by men. She recalls being inspired by fellow women orthopedists who juggled demanding careers and family life. Dr. Lopez, a mother of two, now mentors young women in the field, encouraging them to “make their presence known” and reminding them that balance is achievable, even if it looks different from week to week.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the stories of individuals like Dr. Nicole Lopez remind us of the ongoing work needed to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. It’s a time to reflect on Hispanic Americans' achievements while also recognizing their unique challenges and the steps we can take to overcome them.