“It Made Me Who I Am:” Dr. Helen Bermudez’s Path from Cuban Immigrant to Physician
Dr. Bermudez never strays far from her upbringing in Cuba and immigration to the United States, which inspired her to work to address health disparities.
“I focus on the underserved populations because I was one,” said gastroenterology fellow Helen Bermudez, M.D
In the latest episode of Inside U Miami Medicine, we delve into the inspiring story of gastroenterology fellow Helen Bermudez, M.D. Born and raised in Cuba, Dr. Bermudez arrived in the United States at the age of 15. She spoke no English but carried an unwavering dedication to help others through medicine.
“I focus on the underserved populations because I was one,” she shared, reflecting on her early years in Cuba. From a young age, she was drawn to the medical field, inspired by the profound impact physicians had on their communities despite limited resources.
Her transition to the U.S. was marked by immense challenges. Leaving behind her father and much of her family in Cuba, she and her mother settled in Hialeah, Florida. Despite financial hardships, she and her mother persevered by working at McDonald’s and Domino’s to make ends meet.
“It made me resilient and it’s made me who I am today,” said Dr. Bermudez during the episode. “I never lost sight of that dream.”
Her volunteer work at Jackson Memorial Hospital during her undergraduate years was pivotal. There, she found her calling in helping underserved communities, particularly patients who spoke only Spanish. Having experienced life without health insurance upon arriving in the U.S., she understood firsthand the struggles faced by the families she assisted.
Tune in as we explore Dr. Bermudez’s story of resilience and the advice she offers others facing similar paths.
Tags: alumni, health inequities, Inside U Miami Medicine podcast, medical education