Since 1988, Americans have observed Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

At UF Health, the contributions of Hispanics/Latinos are immeasurable and evergrowing. They continue to make an impact at every level of our health system, both in the medical and academic settings.

Lyda Cuervo Pardo, MD, was born in Colombia and is an allergist and immunologist at UF Health Allergy – Springhill, and she’s an assistant professor of medicine in the UF Division of Rheumatology, Allergy & Clinical Immunology.

In this video, Cuervo Pardo shares how being a Latina has shaped who she is today and how she connects with her patients.

Hispanic Heritage Month stories from Doctor Gator