Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2024: Dr. Sharee Umpierre’s Commitment to Community Health
This month, FWC celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting the work of individuals like Sharee Umpierre, MD, of Centro Comprensivo de Cancer de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, who have dedicated their careers to improving the lives of Hispanic communities. Dr. Umpierre, a gynecologic oncologist with over twenty years of experience, has most notably participated in two clinical trials related to human papillomavirus (HPV) and is an investigator in a study analyzing the impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria on gynecologic oncology care in Puerto Rico.
Dr. Umpierre’s professional journey began with the revelation that there was a significant need for gynecologic oncology in her home, Puerto Rico. She subsequently dedicated her post-fellowship career to serving the Hispanic population of Puerto Rico. Her commitment is more than just professional—it is deeply personal.
Lack of access to care stands out as the most pressing issue among the many challenges Dr. Umpierre observes in obstetrics and gynecology. “The availability of qualified health professionals and limited health insurance coverage, such as access to frequent imaging studies, appropriate chemotherapeutics, and access to consultants and subspecialists, are significant challenges,” she notes. The scarcity of culturally and linguistically appropriate information compounds these issues, making it difficult for patients to navigate the system.
Dr. Umpierre also identifies greater participation and availability of clinical trials for Hispanic patients as a critical need in Puerto Rico and across the United States. She points out that clinical trials are essential for advancing medical knowledge and developing new treatments, yet Hispanic patients have historically been underrepresented. Dr. Umpierre advocates for greater efforts to make these trials more accessible to Hispanic communities, including culturally sensitive outreach and education, to ensure that all patients can benefit from the latest advancements in cancer care.
Interactions within the healthcare system, regulatory bodies, and the health insurance industry require physicians who are committed to comprehensive treatment and care—Dr. Umpierre is just that. “As a health care provider, I am often their voice and become a primary advocate for their needs,” she shares. Additionally, she is involved with patient advocacy groups at the local level who provide visibility to the issues Hispanic populations face.
The acknowledgment of Hispanic Heritage Month holds personal and professional significance for Dr. Umpierre. She has witnessed the evolution of care for Hispanic populations, from the early days when finding providers who could effectively communicate with patients in their language was a challenge, to the present, where there is a growing presence of Hispanic healthcare providers in gynecologic oncology. “It has been important, both to the patients and to the providers, to see themselves represented at the local and national level,” she reflects.
Dr. Umpierre embodies the 2024 theme for Hispanic Heritage Month, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” as her cultural background has profoundly influenced her approach to patient care and her commitment to addressing health disparities. She has dedicated her career to providing comprehensive care to the community of Puerto Rico, and equally important, she has played a pivotal role in educating the next generation of healthcare professionals. “Starting to witness the inclusion of Hispanic women in clinical research studies across all diseases in our specialty, particularly in those that affect them disproportionately, such as cervical cancer, is incredibly rewarding,” she says.
For healthcare professionals looking to better serve Hispanic/Latinx communities, Dr. Umpierre emphasizes the importance of community outreach, education, and access to native language information about diseases and treatments. She also recommends employing health educators, navigators, nurses, and coordinators from culturally similar backgrounds that can create a familiar and trusting environment. “As providers, it is imperative to become involved in the training of this personnel and to champion their use throughout care systems,” she advises.
While Hispanic Heritage Month is an excellent time to bring awareness to the achievements and challenges of Hispanic communities, Dr. Umpierre believes that the commitment to these communities must extend beyond this celebratory moment. She advocates for ongoing efforts to provide culturally appropriate information and address healthcare disparities throughout the year.
Looking ahead, Dr. Umpierre hopes to see significant advancements in the healthcare system to better support Hispanic communities. “I am hopeful I will witness an increase in Hispanic-centered research studies to address the specific presentations and treatment for gynecologic malignancies affecting our population,” she expresses. Dr. Umpierre ultimately envisions more equitable access to healthcare, improved referral systems, increased participation in clinical trials and research, and better provider-patient communication to truly make strides in the comprehensive care of Hispanic patients.
