Rooted in Culture and Community, Melissa Hernandez’s Journey Is Fueled by Connection
This Hispanic Heritage Month, Morehouse School of Medicine continues to highlight the voices of students whose culture, experiences and aspirations shape the way they move through medicine. Today, we celebrate Melissa Hernandez, an MD student whose Cuban and Puerto Rican roots fuel her passion for service and representation.
Raised in Miami among her Cuban family, Melissa describes her heritage as a deep source of pride. “Being the daughter of immigrant parents has shed light on the importance of the opportunities they have worked so tirelessly to grant me,” she reflects. She recalls how cafecito, tiny cups of strong Cuban coffee, was more than just a drink in her household. It was a love language, a reason for family and friends to gather, share stories and connect. Those traditions of community, family and perseverance continue to ground her today. For Melissa, her culture is both her foundation and her motivation.
For Melissa, being a Hispanic medical student is not just about her own path but about opening doors for others. “I view being in this position as a way to open doors and break down barriers for other individuals with similar roots to my own,” she explains. With every step forward, she hopes to reduce health outcome gaps and use her presence in medicine to positively impact resource-limited communities.
A defining moment in her journey came during her time caring for a Spanish-speaking hospice patient in Miami. Establishing a bond and helping the patient feel heard during such a vulnerable stage of life left a lasting impact.
“She told me how valued and cherished I made her feel — and I will never forget the tears in her eyes as she said so,” Melissa shares. “Providing meaningful care during such a delicate time was an immense gift, one that continues to propel me in my pursuit of medicine.”
Looking ahead, Melissa is determined to advocate for affordable, accessible care in resource-limited communities. She also hopes to inspire others to join her in this commitment, using her voice to champion healthcare access optimization and compassionate care.
Her advice to other Hispanic/Latino students in medicine is both practical and powerful: “Never give up on your dreams, no matter what. Disregard the statistics you may see online — we are much more than those numbers. Speak of your dreams with conviction and passion, and most importantly, bring your heart and compassion into everything you do.”
Melissa’s story reminds us that medicine is not only about science but also about humanity, representation, and love. Just as cafecito has long been a way for her family and community to come together, Melissa hopes to create spaces of connection, compassion and care for her patients. Her journey reflects the strength and compassion that Hispanic/Latino students bring to the future of health care.
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