Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Dr. Roberto Hernandez-Alejandro

An esteemed leader and pioneer in his field, Dr. Roberto Hernandez-Alejandro is renowned for his groundbreaking work in liver transplantation and hepatobiliary surgery.

As Chief of the Division of Transplantation at the University of Rochester Medical Center since 2016, Dr. Hernandez has significantly advanced surgical techniques and patient outcomes in complex liver and pancreas surgeries. With his deep commitment to research, innovation, and patient care, he continues to shape the future of HPB surgery on both national and international levels.

A leader in his field, Dr. Hernandez brings not only his surgical expertise but also a rich cultural perspective shaped by his own heritage. In this Q&A, he shares his personal journey and insights into healthcare disparities faced by Hispanic physicians and community members.

Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?

I grew up in Mexico City and was fortunate to be part of a family that emphasized education. My mother always said 'it would be amazing if one of my kids was a doctor', and that planted the seed. I was the middle child and always wanted to get the attention of my parents. So I always wanted to be the best -- go to the best schools, get the best training.

That motivated me to get into the best University and medical schools in Mexico City where my parents helped as much as they could, but I had to work to pay my way through med school. Each specialty interested me in some way, but surgery techniques were fascinating to me. And when my mother was diagnosed and passed away from liver cancer, I became dedicated to that area. That’s one of the reasons why I’m passionate about my work at URMC and why I focus on complex surgeries, like those involving liver and pancreas cancer.

I came to the United States to take exams, as was required back then, and while I was there, I met a Canadian surgeon who offered me a fellowship in Calgary. I loved Canada and researched the best places to work in my specialty there which brought me to London, Ontario, for eight years, which included a four-month training opportunity in Japan.

As I started doing a lot of research, more operating and complex surgeries, I began to get invited to speak at Rounds, including a visit to Washington University in Saint Louis where I met Dr. David Linehan. One year after he started at URMC, he offered me a job. It's been eight years and I have no regrets. I've had amazing support building a team here, and transforming this transplantation division into a Transplant Institute.

What challenges have you faced as a Hispanic community member working in medicine and what can be done to help future Hispanic students interested in medicine?

Coming from a Hispanic background, there are barriers. I felt I always needed to work harder to prove myself, to show that I belong. And I've experienced racism and still do today. I'll always have an accent -- no matter how good my English gets -- and when I tell people I'm a doctor, I can see their entire demeanor and expectations change. Even within our profession, there are challenges with limited Hispanic mentorship opportunities and navigating a field that hasn’t fully adapted to our perspectives and needs.

I’m excited by the growing recognition of the importance of diversity in healthcare. We’re seeing more efforts to recruit and retain Hispanic professionals in medicine (and others, including Eastern Europeans, etc.), at Harvard, Northwestern and others, and something I'm passionate about here. As these efforts continue to expand, I believe we’ll see more diverse doctors. The more representation within a program, the easier it is to recruit more of the best diverse doctors around the world.

Is there an example you could share of how your cultural background has enriched your interactions with patients or colleagues?

Yes, absolutely. I remember one case vividly. There was a man who came into the hospital needing surgery, but he was scared and confused and didn’t speak English. When I spoke to him in Spanish, his entire demeanor changed. We called his wife, talked it through, and he agreed to surgery that ultimately saved his life. It's not guaranteed that I'll be on call to do any specific patient's surgery when they need it, but by chance or fate, I was there to perform his operation. That moment was a reminder of how vital language and culture can be in healthcare.

How can the medical field better support Hispanic patients?

Hispanic patients often face a language barrier, which can complicate their care and create a sense of isolation during a very vulnerable time. It makes it harder for Hispanic patients to find providers who understand their cultural context and can advocate for them. More hospitals and clinics should provide more bilingual staff and interpreters to ensure patients feel heard and understood. Beyond that, increasing representation—whether through hiring practices or educational opportunities—is key. Patients benefit when they see themselves reflected in the people caring for them.