Why Is It Important For Patients and Providers to Be Able to Connect Culturally?

In addition to his clinical work, gastroenterologist Carlos Romero-Marrero, MD, serves as the Co-Chair of SALUD, Cleveland Clinic’s Hispanic Employee Resource Group (ERG). He’s proud that it has been recognized as one of the Nation’s Top 25 ERGs for two years in a row.

Dr. Romero-Marrero also takes pride in being bilingual — as a Puerto Rican he speaks Spanish and English — so he can better serve our Hispanic patients.

“Spanish-speaking patients have a hard time navigating the healthcare system. Removing the language barrier is important in making the patient feel at ease and able to express their concerns with the certainty of being understood,” Dr. Romero-Marrero, Section Head of Hepatology, adds. “Speaking their language allows for a better understanding of their health condition and treatment plan.”

We sat down with Dr. Romero-Marrero to get more of this thoughts on the importance of communication, what influenced his career and more:

Why is it important that caregivers be able to communicate to all patients?

Every community, not just Latinos, needs healthcare providers who are culturally and linguistically appropriate. Referring patients to culturally targeted clinics improves patient experience and outcomes, which helps in decreasing health disparities.

Can you tell us more about your involvement with Lutheran Hospital’s Hispanic Clinic?

The goal is to meet the needs of the Hispanic community on the West Side of Cleveland. This is a great example of how a group of physicians have worked together to create a patient-centered care model of healthcare delivery. Through the establishment of this clinic, we have improved access to quality healthcare to our Hispanic community, not just by location but by offering Hispanics an opportunity to see healthcare providers who share their language, culture and background.

What sparked your interest in medicine?

I wanted to help people in a meaningful way and medicine was the obvious choice to do this.

My interest for gastroenterology was guided by my interactions with my research mentor at the University of Puerto Rico. Dr. Esther Torres is the most accomplished gastroenterologist from Puerto Rico and I had the opportunity to collaborate with her in inflammatory bowel disease and liver disease research projects starting in medical school all the way through my fellowship.

Something your colleagues may be surprised to learn about you?

I am a die-hard baseball fan. It has been great to be in Cleveland and root for the Indians in recent years. Last year, I was able to accomplish one of my bucket list moments: attend Game 7 of the World Series. Looking forward for the next one.

Advice you would give to your 20-year-old self?

If at the end of the day, you can sleep knowing that you have given your best in what you do, then that is a great day. Make every day meaningful; give the best of you each day.