The Six Percent Club

By Dr. Susana Vargas Pinto

This is a special edition blog post presented in partnership with the Latino Surgical Society in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

For 57 years, Latino heritage has been officially recognized in the United States. What began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson was expanded to a month-long observance by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. Hispanic Heritage Month offers an opportunity to honor the significant role the Latino community has played in shaping and strengthening our nation.

Although the terms “Latino” and “Hispanic” are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings. “Hispanic” typically refers to people with a connection to Spain or the Spanish language, while “Latino” encompasses individuals of Latin American or Caribbean descent, regardless of their proficiency in Spanish. The term also creates space for diverse ethnic and ancestral backgrounds, including those of European descent, to be acknowledged within the Latino identity.

Latinos have made remarkable contributions across various fields, including sports, arts, literature, academia, and national defense. In medicine—especially within surgery, where Latinos remain underrepresented—we continue to make an indelible impact. Despite being a minority in the surgical field, Latino surgeons have helped shape the trajectory of modern medicine in the U.S. and beyond. As skilled practitioners and community advocates, we not only advance surgical care but also work to reduce healthcare disparities that disproportionately affect Latino populations.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, 25.7% (18.8 million) of children in the United States are of Hispanic origin, up from 23.1% (17.1 million) in 2010 [1]. Yet Latinos account for only about 6% of practicing physicians, with an even smaller percentage represented in surgery, as reported by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) [2]. This gap stems from systemic barriers such as limited access to education, financial constraints, lack of mentorship, and underrepresentation in academic and medical institutions.

Despite these challenges, Latino surgeons have made meaningful progress, breaking barriers, and inspiring future generations. Many bring more than technical expertise—they often offer bilingual and bicultural competence that improves patient communication, trust, and health outcomes. In communities where language barriers can hinder care, culturally competent clinicians are essential.

Latino surgeons also play a critical role as mentors and role models, encouraging young Latinos to pursue careers in medicine and science. Organizations like the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) and the Latino Surgical Society (LSS) actively work to build networks of support, mentorship, and professional development. These organizations are essential in promoting Latino representation and leadership across all levels of healthcare.

Furthermore, Latino surgeons are increasingly taking on leadership roles in medical institutions and academic research, advocating for inclusive policies and research practices that reflect the diversity of the patient population. Their efforts are helping to close gaps in healthcare equity and improve outcomes for all.

Celebrating and supporting Latino surgeons is not just about representation or growing the six percent club—it is about building a more equitable, inclusive, and effective healthcare system for the future.

1. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/technical-documentation/complete-tech-docs/summary-file/2020Census_PL94_171Redistricting_StatesTechDoc_English.pdf
2. https://www.aamc.org/data-reports/workforce/interactive-data/figure-18-percentage-all-active-physicians-race/ethnicity-2018

Dr Vargas Pinto is a board-certified endocrine surgeon and current Latino Surgical Society (LSS) liaison to the AWS. She practices and lives with her family in Connecticut. During her free time, Dr Vargas Pinto enjoys traveling, music, and the outdoors.