WASHINGTON, May 5, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to The AMA Physician Masterfile and US Census data, Latinos represent 16 percent of the country's population yet only 5 percent are physicians. Hispanic doctors have great potential for growth in this sector to impact and give back to their communities. As a result, this year the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC) is taking the lead in this initiative by honoring Hispanic Doctors in Business at its 38th Annual Gala on June 6th, 2014 at the Marriott Marquis.
"Health has been the most trending topic nationwide in the past year. I'm proud to say that the GWHCC has been a key leader in reaching out to District Hispanics through DC Health Link," comments Angela Franco, GWHCC President & CEO. Franco adds, "We feel honored to have the support of such a great group of prominent Hispanic doctors including our two excellent honorary chairs, Dr. Joxel Garcia, Director, DC Department of Health and Dr. Elmer Huerta, White House Champion of Change for Public Health and Prevention and our main sponsors Kaiser Permanente and Verizon."
J. Roberto Trujillo, MD, Ph.D., President and CEO of TruBios, a biotech company and a corporative partner of Johns Hopkins University, will be the Gala Keynote Speaker. Dr. Trujillo explains, "As a researcher and scientist and CEO of a biotech company, my goal is to deliver breakthroughs and cures to as many people as possible". Dr. Trujillo has co-invented a medical device, CERCA, for the prevention and eradication of cervical cancer. He has become a pivotal leader in promoting biomedical research and biotechnology in Latin America. Dr. Trujillo states, "The biotech world is ripe for business, both for research and for reaching the people who need cures."
The annual Gala highlights the importance of the local Hispanic business community and celebrates the Chamber's accomplishments and future plans. "This year's Gala will recognize doctors who demonstrate excellence in the fields of Technology, Government and Cooperative Medicine (Family Doctors). Nominations are open until May 16th," said Mario Acosta-Velez, GWHCC Board Chairman. "We invite everyone to nominate candidates from the extensive pool of successful doctors working in the Washington metropolitan area and serving the community." To nominate your candidate visit www.gwhcc.org/galanomination.
To learn more about the Gala and purchase tickets visit www.gwhcc.org/gala. Early bird ends May 6th!
As of May 2014, the 38th Annual Gala is made possible with the support of: Platinum Sponsors – Verizon, Kaiser Permanente; Gold Sponsors – Herbalife, PwC; Silver Sponsors –Goya Foods, DC Health Link, Events DC; Bronze Sponsors – PNC Bank, CareFirst, Providence Hospital, Washington Gas, Building Hope, Giant, BizLaunch, Toyota, Leadership Greater Washington, Gelberg Signs, Studio Santalla, Smart CEO Magazine, American Airlines, Acacia Financial Group, Prince George's Chamber of Commerce.