Dr. Leticia Flores

My background working in the DEI field started as the beneficiary of DEI programs available to me through my education. I utilized the tutoring services provided at my undergraduate facilities associated with the Latino stem programs, then participated in underrepresented second look weekend and DEI initiatives during medical school. My experience with these programs is that they fostered a sense of belonging at institutions that did not naturally feel that way to me. During medical school I became an active member of the Latino Medical Student association (LMSA), including serving on the National Board as secretary which is how I started working in this field. After medical school and a combined residency in Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine, I have become a mentor for undergraduates, medical students, residents and junior faculty who need guidance advancing their careers in the medical field. I am a member of the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) and attended the NHMA meeting with the White House in DC in 2024 to advocate for inclusive health policy. Recent work in DEI: -Mentorship pathway programs started between VCU medical school and nursing and underrepresented undergraduate students who attended local Richmond city schools -Mentor for medical students through LMSA in southeast regional area -DEI Taskforce for VCU Emergency Department -Attended LMSA regional conference and spoke as a panelist for students and taught a course on ultrasound The work in this field fulfills my goal of creating spaces where people from different backgrounds have equitable access to become medical providers and ultimately to benefit the health of all of our patients.