November 2, 2001

At right: Vega-Barachowitz and Gonzalez enjoy the festivities.

With a colorful blend of education, history, music and cuisine, the MGH honored the past, present and future of the Latino culture in a multifaceted celebration Oct. 26.

The day featured a series of presentations in the Walcott Conference Rooms. Ernesto Gonzalez, MD, of MGH Dermatology, associate director of the MGH Multicultural Affairs Office (MAO) and founding director of the MGH Hispanic Medical Students Mentorship Program, discussed "The Changing Face of the MGH and its Impact on the Latino Population." Carmen Vega-Barachowitz, MS, CCC-SLP, director of MGH Speech and Language Pathology, presented "Behind The Word 'Latino': A Historical Perspective on Latino Heritage Month." Joseph Betancourt, MD, MPH, senior scientist at the MGH Institute for Health Policy and MAO program director for multicultural education, addressed "Emerging Issues in Latino Health."

The presentations were followed by a reception in the Bulfinch Tent. MGHers danced to the Latino music of local band Mango Blue, and sampled a variety of foods from throughout Latin America.

The celebration was co-sponsored by MGH Human Resources and the MGH Employee Latino Heritage Planning Committee. The committee, comprised of employees from various MGH departments, joined together specifically to plan the first-time event.