SLU Student Advocates for More Hispanic, Latino Representation in Medicine

ST. LOUIS, MO – The disparity between the Hispanic and Latino representation in the general U.S. population and among physicians highlights a significant gap in the medical community.  

While more than 19% of the U.S. population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, fewer than 7% of physicians identify similarly, according to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges in 2021.  

This underrepresentation underscores the need for continued efforts to enhance diversity in medical education and the health care workforce to better reflect and serve the nation’s diverse population. Addressing this disparity is why Jorge Silva Hidalgo, a first-generation student at Saint Louis University, said he chose to pursue a medical career. 

“Coming from a family and a community where there’s no doctor around, they joke, ‘Hurry up so you can start curing me!’ That speaks to the underrepresentation. Hopefully, I can inspire others to do the same,” he said. 

Silva Hidalgo overcame cultural, language and financial barriers to pursue his education. He was born in California and raised in Mexico. When he returned to the U.S. to continue his studies at a community college, he only spoke Spanish and enrolled in English- as-a-second-language courses. After receiving an associate degree in biological sciences, he earned a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from the University of California—Irvine.  

Silva Hidalgo is a graduate of SLU’s post-baccalaureate certificate program in medical anatomy and physiology, which aids graduates in gaining entry into medical school and other health care professional programs. Now, a third-year medical student at SLU, he is on his way to his goal of becoming a trauma surgeon.  

Silva Hidalgo noted that patients also encounter these same barriers in health care. He said having health care professionals who speak the same language and understand the cultural context of their patients can significantly improve communication, trust, and the overall quality of care. It can lead to more accurate diagnoses, better adherence to treatment plans, and improved health outcomes.  

Silva Hidalgo has led student initiatives at the School of Medicine and within the St. Louis community that are fostering a more inclusive and equitable health care system. He helped launch the Distinction in Medical Spanish program at SLU, which recently collaborated with St. Cecilia’s Catholic Academy to host a bilingual science night for youth and their families to explore careers in STEM and medicine. He also served as co-president of the Latino Medical Student Association which partnered with the Trauma Department at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital to lead the “Stop the Bleed” campaign, teaching life-saving skills in Spanish-speaking communities.  

Silva Hidalgo attributes his academic success to the support he’s received, from the compassionate doctor who treated a foot infection as a youth to the scholarship he received at SLU to alleviate financial burdens. When you support students, he said it’s an investment in future leaders.

 “The more you invest, the more students pay it forward in service to the community. At SLU, we’re devoted to the community. We do not wait until we become doctors. We’re making a difference from day one.” 

Jorge Silva Hidalgo

Reclaiming the Legacy Gala

SLU’s School of Medicine’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host the inaugural “Reclaiming the Legacy Gala: Reducing Health Care Disparities through Diversity” gala. It will take place on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Wool Ballrooms at SLU’s Busch Student Center.  

This formal event will include a keynote address, will spotlight distinguished physicians who have made significant contributions to health care equity and the presentation of the John H. Gladney Awards, which recognize exceptional contributions to advancing diversity and equity in health care. John H. Gladney, M.D., was a trailblazing physician who served as the first African American to chair a clinical department at SLU’s School of Medicine.

Funds raised through the attendance of this event will support the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Development Fund that provides events and programming, research opportunities and general student support for individuals at the School of Medicine who are from a disadvantaged background.