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As Morehouse School of Medicine continues to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor students whose stories reflect resilience, representation and cultural pride. This week, we highlight Yovanni Andres Vera Pimentel, a second-year Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS) student who proudly identifies as Afro-Latino and is dedicated to bridging cultures and communities through medicine. 

 

Born in Georgia to a Dominican mother and a Colombian father, Yovanni grew up deeply connected to his Latino roots. Yet, navigating life in the South often meant being seen only through the lens of race.  

 

“Growing up, I was often classified as non-Hispanic Black, and this left me feeling as though a core part of my identity was erased,” he shares. “While my family instilled in me a strong pride in our Latino heritage, I struggled to reconcile that pride with the lack of Afro-Latino representation in my community.” Over time, Yovanni learned to embrace the full duality of his identity — carrying forward both his African and Latino heritage and ensuring neither is diminished or overlooked. 

 

For Yovanni, being a Hispanic medical student is about representation and connection. “As I searched for Afro-Latino representation among my peers, I found even less of it in professional fields,” he says. “To me, being Afro-Latino is like standing as a bridge between two worlds.” His identity allows him to move seamlessly between the Black and Latino communities, and he hopes to bring that same cultural fluency to patient care — creating environments where all patients feel seen, understood and respected. 

 

One of the most defining moments in Yovanni’s journey came during the COVID-19 pandemic. While working in a clinic, he encountered a Spanish-speaking mother and her son who were struggling to access their test results for international travel. “After being turned away at a previous site, they arrived anxious and overwhelmed,” he recalls. Because Yovanni speaks Spanish, he was able to guide them through the process and ensure they received the care they needed. “After assisting them, the mother broke down crying and hugged me in gratitude,” he says. “It reinforced for me the impact of language, empathy, and representation in patient care.” 

 

Those experiences shaped how Yovanni sees his role in medicine — not as someone who must be perfect, but as someone who must be present. “I was hesitant to use my Spanish in clinical settings, unsure if my vocabulary was strong enough,” he admits. “But I realized that even my willingness to step forward could mean the difference between a patient receiving care or leaving without it.” Now, he strives to be a physician who inspires trust and helps patients feel confident seeking the care they deserve. 

 

To other Hispanic and Latino students pursuing a career in medicine, Yovanni offers words of encouragement: “Be proud of your heritage and carry it with confidence. Your identity is a strength that brings empathy and perspective to medicine. See yourself as a voice for the Latino community, opening doors not only for yourself but for those who will come after you.” 

 

Yovanni’s journey is one of identity, pride and purpose — proof that the intersection of culture and care can create powerful pathways toward health care access optimization. His story reminds us that representation is not just about visibility, but about belonging. 

 

 

 

About the Author

Michael Martin is a content strategist who believes in crafting compelling stories that inspire and connect. With a pen for storytelling, he brings the journeys of students, faculty and staff to life, highlighting their impact and dedication to healthcare.

Contact

Michael Martin
Digital Content Strategist
Office of Marketing & Communications
mamartin@msm.edu