My grandmother had endometrial cancer, my mother had breast cancer, and their experience in Puerto Rico — they got these treatments but they didn’t understand them. I wanted to change that.

I think that that’s one of the most rewarding parts of my day job — that I have patients that immediately when they see me, they can connect because we can speak the language. But not only is that a language issue, it’s really understanding the culture, the cultural nuances like understanding that their family is a big part of their health care decision group so you have to involve them and be respectful of their family.

Being able to connect with them on that level makes them feel that you took one of these barriers out. They don’t have to be overwhelmed about having that doctor connect with them.

Dr. Ruben Mesa, MD, FACP

I think I’m only the first or second Latino NCI Cancer Center Director in the United States. It’s a neat connection with that community.

I had the chance this year to testify before Congress regarding changes in FDA regulations and legislation regarding diversity in clinical trials.

Diversity in clinical trials is both about social justice and good science. We want to know whether it is safe and effective. Diversity is powerful.

The problem with cancer is that it’s a thief. It steals from us.

I myself lost my father to lung cancer. He died at 62 and he passed away now 16 years ago. I think about it really in terms of all those things that he missed because of the disease that he had.

He won’t see my sister getting married this upcoming February. He didn’t see my brother get married two years ago. He won’t meet their children. He’s not seen my children grow up into adults. It is a loss that can’t be replaced.