(Madera, Calif.) – Valley Children’s hematologist/oncologist Dr. Karen Fernandez has been recognized by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Central Valley Region with the Physician Champion for Latino Outreach award. This worthy recognition acknowledges Dr. Fernandez for her leadership and commitment to enhancing services and support to Hispanic/Latino families facing blood cancers, in addition to providing vital education to care staff serving Hispanic/Latino communities nationwide.
“There is so much evidence that demonstrates cancer disparities in our Hispanic community, and particularly among children, but through national collaboratives and education I am confident that together, we can make a difference,” said Dr. Fernandez. “To be recognized for work that is essential to the livelihood and well-being of others is a true honor.”
Hispanics and Latinos are the largest minority group in the U.S., representing 18% of the total population, and despite extraordinary medical improvements in the treatment of cancer and increased survival rates for the general population, cancer continues to be the leading cause of mortality among this population.
Cancer disparities among Hispanics and Latinos are significant and the rate of acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia diagnoses among this population are astounding. Hispanic and Latino children not only have the highest incidence of these two major leukemia subtypes, but they also suffer worse overall survival rates when compared to non-Hispanic White children.
In an effort to reduce these disparities, Dr. Fernandez shared her expertise in a national webinar on pediatric leukemia, where she addressed the challenges Hispanic and Latino families face after diagnosis, including access to quality treatment, the impact of survival in pediatric patients and supportive resources and services available.
Dr. Fernandez also led a virtual presentation in English and Spanish – titled Pediatric Leukemia and its impact on Children of Hispanic and Latino Origin: An Education Program for Bilingual Healthcare Providers and Community Health Workers – to more than 100 care providers from across the U.S., an opportunity made possible by a national partnership between The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Migrant Clinicians Network.
“It is always a privilege to collaborate with LLS and Migrant Clinicians Network because together, we were able to elevate this national effort to not only providers, but also the entire care team, which includes physician assistants, community healthcare workers, pharmacists and more,” said Dr. Fernandez.
Additionally, Dr. Fernandez participated in a Facebook Live segment on Spanish language media about childhood blood cancers as part of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s partnership with Entrevision, an online news platform.
“We look forward to continuing an impactful partnership with Dr. Fernandez to enhance our services for families facing blood cancers as well for the providers in the community,” said Bethanie Mills, senior manager of patient and community outreach at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Central Valley Region.