David Velasquez @davidevelasqu Twitter profile | Pikagi

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David Velasquez

@davidevelasqu

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Resident physician @BrighamWomens | fighting to make systems work for marginalized people l alum @USC ✌🏽 @HarvardHBS @Kennedy_School @harvardmed | #firstgen

Boston, MA

Joined December 2017

Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.

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@davidevelasqu

David Velasquez

29 days

This is my mom. She was an asylum seeker. She slept in a church b/c she had nowhere else to go. She is a housekeeper & a waitress. She is my hero. These degrees are for her. Harvard Medical School, M.D. ✅ Harvard Business School, M.B.A. ✅ Harvard Kennedy School of Government,

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@davidevelasqu

David Velasquez

29 days

And this is me. I am a product of my mom, dad, brothers, friends, and mentors. To them, I owe everything. Signing off for the first time ever as, Dr. David Velasquez, MD, MBA, MPP

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@davidevelasqu

David Velasquez

1 year

On Thursday, I graduated from the Harvard Business School & the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. On Tuesday, I restart my 7th and final year at Harvard Medical School. Next year, I will become the 1st person in history to graduate from these three institutions. 1/x

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@davidevelasqu

David Velasquez

29 days

This is my dad. He was shot twice fighting for democracy in his home country, Nicaragua. He lost his brother in battle. His calloused hands remind me of the manual labor he worked to make sure I could focus on school. He transports elderly patients to their doctors'

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@davidevelasqu

David Velasquez

29 days

These are my brothers. My oldest (far left) brother raised me when my parents worked multiple jobs. My older (second to the left) brother pushed me on the track & helped me become a better version of myself. My little brother (far right) taught me how to be a big brother--the

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@davidevelasqu

David Velasquez

3 years

Last night, I saw an elderly Honduran woman in clinic. As the nursing student took her blood pressure, her granddaughter turned to me and whispered, “Felicidades. Lo hiciste.” 🥺

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@davidevelasqu

David Velasquez

4 years

Can you believe that this woman slept in a church for two years when she first arrived to America? Unbelievable. I love you, mom. #HappyMothersDay 💐

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@davidevelasqu

David Velasquez

5 years

When I was a kid, I couldn't order off the Carl's Jr dollar menu because of cost. Yet, I was expected to pay +$1200 for a MCAT test prep course🤔 Privileged to have a voice in the @nytimes on the barriers that low-income medical students face.

‘I Have a Ph.D. in Not Having Money’ (Published 2019)

Medical school is expensive for everyone. But for low-income students, the hidden costs can be prohibitive.

www.nytimes.com

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@davidevelasqu

David Velasquez

1 year

...who somehow provided nurturing love to me and my brothers even when we were homeless, and who, to this day, may be your @Uber driver, @Marriott housekeeper, and restaurant server. Thank you, Mom & Dad. 3/x

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@davidevelasqu

David Velasquez

4 years

Before starting my junior year of college, I made a trip to the local Walmart. I shopped for chicken, eggs, and milk when I noticed a man shyly approaching other customers. He looked to be in his forties, and I could overhear him nervously speaking in Spanish. 1/x

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David Velasquez

1 year

As excited as this makes me, what truly makes me smile is doing this as the son of two formerly undocumented, non-English speaking immigrant parents who slept in the attic of a church for 2 years when they first arrived in the U.S... 2/x

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David Velasquez

4 months

Why are med schools offering classes on structural racism, you ask? Because of Henrietta Lacks Because of the Tuskegee Study Because of experimental procedures on enslaved Black women Because of unnecessary procedures on women in ICE detention centers Because if you are Black or

@benshapiro

Ben Shapiro

4 months

5/ Why is a class like this even offered, much less mandatory for med students? Which lessons on anatomy, biochemistry, and saving lives were removed to add this woke ‘Indigenae’ nonsense into the curriculum?

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David Velasquez

1 year

What also makes me smile is doing this alongside some of the most incredible people I have ever met. People dedicating their lives to the relief of illness & injury, people choosing public service because they believe in the potential of our institutions... 4/x

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David Velasquez

3 years

During my second year of medical school, I rotated through the trauma surgery department at one of Boston's most prestigious hospitals. In my first two weeks, I met some exceptional residents and got to scrub into awesome cases. But everything changed one week later. 1/🧵

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@davidevelasqu

David Velasquez

3 months

Growing up, my parents never had a doctor The first time my mom saw one, she was being rushed to the scanner for a code stroke The first time my dad saw one, he was being rushed to the cath lab for a heart attack But now, the next time they will see a doctor, it will be me 🥹

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David Velasquez

1 year

As a matter of fact, after graduation, the real journey will only have just begun. Here's to making the world a better place -- together. 7/x

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David Velasquez

1 year

...and people striving to create and advance solutions to society's most pressing problems. Thank you to my friends, mentors, and professors across and beyond Harvard, for continuously inspiring me and pushing me to strive for excellence. 5/x

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David Velasquez

1 year

Today, I pause to reflect on, as the Harvard Business School likes to call it, my "one wild and precious life." But tomorrow, I begin anew, because as one of my heroes-- @kobebryant --once said, "Job's not finished." 6/x

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David Velasquez

3 years

Regardless of the reason, it happened when it should not have. Neglecting and excluding medical students should not be part of anyone's "culture", and if it is, we must work to root it out. Respect your subordinates and treat them with dignity. I know I will. 11/

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David Velasquez

16 days

My high school surprised me. They renamed the student center. Students will now visit the 'Velasquez Student Center' when they seek academic support and college guidance. I couldn't contain my emotions b/c when I started high school, I didn't think I could go to college. 1/x

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@davidevelasqu

David Velasquez

4 years

I share this story because there are over 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the US, many of whom struggle to afford groceries for themselves and their children. During #covid19 , the number of people struggling to afford food has skyrocketed. 7/x

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David Velasquez

3 months

Being a first-gen college/med student is very grounding. When I told my family about match day, they said: “I thought you were done!” - brother “Como se dice ‘Brigham’”?- mom “Did they give you your diploma?” - dad Gotta love it 😄

@davidevelasqu

David Velasquez

3 months

What an absolute privilege. I matched to my #1 choice program @BrighamWomens @BrighamMedRes ! So much gratitude for all my mentors, friends, & family who made this possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️

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David Velasquez

2 years

Very few low-income students pursue a career in medicine. Why? Because it's expensive and they have few mentors in medicine. But there's another reason: their desire to financially provide for their families before it's too late. My story in @GlobeIdeas :

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@davidevelasqu

David Velasquez

3 months

What an absolute privilege. I matched to my #1 choice program @BrighamWomens @BrighamMedRes ! So much gratitude for all my mentors, friends, & family who made this possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️

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David Velasquez

4 years

My 59-year-old uncle died last night from #covid19 . He was one of my biggest supporters, a devoted father to his children, and a loving brother to my mother and her siblings. His name is Jorge Garcia and this is my part of his story. 1/x

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David Velasquez

4 years

America cannot rely on good faith to sustain the basic needs of unauthorized immigrants. Federal, state, and local governments--alongside nonprofit organizations--must do more to combat the rising prevalence of food insecurity disproportionately affecting this population. 8/x

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David Velasquez

4 years

Here (), @JordanKondo , @broademily , Sarah Downer of @HarvardCHLPI , & I detail how that can be done. People like Miguel are essential workers, resilient students, friendly cashiers, and loving parents--but most importantly, they are human. 9/x

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Maximizing Food Security For Unauthorized Immigrants During COVID-19 | Health Affairs Forefront

The US should take steps to meet the basic food needs of unauthorized immigrants in the US to protect them from the harms of COVID-19.

www.healthaffairs.org

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David Velasquez

4 years

And that in itself should be enough for America to listen, act, and guarantee access to food as a basic human right. cc @RepRaulRuizMD @RepJimmyGomez @RepPressley @RepJoeKennedy @MayorOfLA @marty_walsh 10/x

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David Velasquez

3 years

Thread 🧵 inspired by recent tweets from @ChaseTMAnderson & @colleenmfarrell . Thank you both for nudging me to reflect 🙏🏽

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David Velasquez

4 years

After paying for his items, we walked to the front of Walmart. He could only store so much food in the small room he shared with his son, so I offered him the $20 bill for future meals. Miguel broke down in tears. A man nearly the age of my father cried on my shoulder. 6/x

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David Velasquez

5 years

Do better @Twitter

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David Velasquez

4 years

Want to understand privilege? 1. I am tested for #covid19 3x/week while my mother who cleans offices & serves food has never seen a test 2. I don't pay rent at Harvard while my parents empty their garage so a family can have a place to sleep Please, let's fix America and #Vote

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David Velasquez

25 days

Thank you @TeenVogue for not only interviewing me, but especially for interviewing the real heroes--my parents. They went from escaping a war zone & sleeping on the floor of an abandoned house to holding 3 degrees from @Harvard that I dedicate to them. "We did whatever it took

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David Velasquez

3 years

This one is so so special. It is for the children growing up without housing, the mothers fighting to bring home warm meals, and the families holding on tight with love and strength. It is my journey, my family, and life's inequity all in one.

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One day, two worlds - The Boston Globe

Born to undocumented parents in California, a Harvard grad student reflects on how far he's come — and the prospects for 'a new day of compassion.'

www.bostonglobe.com

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David Velasquez

4 years

"I just came from Mexico, and I don't have any money for me and my son. We have no food." He told me more, and I listened. His story reminded me of my father's--a new immigrant in the US fighting for a better life for his children without the help of many. 4/x

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David Velasquez

2 months

When I visited @harvardmed in 2016 for my medical school interview, I was awed by the marble buildings and legacy of doctors who had once stepped foot on the campus. But I wondered whether a kid like me, a kid who grew up poor and homeless, belonged at a place like Harvard. 1/x

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David Velasquez

3 years

One can only speculate the reasons for her actions. Of course, as the only person of color on that team, I considered racism. Of course, as a medical student in training, I considered burnout. Of course, as a human being, I considered misplaced anger and pain. 10/

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David Velasquez

4 years

UNBELIEVABLY EXCITED for this news—I’ll be spending an extra 3 years in Cambridge to study both business & policy at @HarvardHBS & @Kennedy_School ! This one is for the people without a home, access to good health, and equal rights. We are fighting for you, now and forever ✊🏽

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David Velasquez

1 year

I almost decided not to become a doctor "It's too expensive" "My high school didn't prepare me to be pre-med" "I don't know a doctor, how can I become one?" For these reasons + more, low-income students are unable or decide not to pursue medicine.. 1/x

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David Velasquez

9 months

Wow! What a moment. After 6+ years of graduate school, I just officially applied to my first job as an internal medicine doctor 🩺 So excited for the upcoming interview season. Good luck to everyone else applying!

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David Velasquez

4 years

I could not think of a better time to start my education at @Kennedy_School . First course for tomorrow: Race and Racism in the Making of the United States as a Global Power. Let’s get it ✊🏽

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David Velasquez

3 years

Exhausted, I headed home and opened my laptop. In it, I typed, "Haven't felt like a true minority up until this point; if this is how [these] residents are, I don't want to work here." 9/

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David Velasquez

4 years

I told him to get whatever food he wanted. To my surprise, he only grabbed a loaf of bread and a container of macaroni salad. He said, "Okay, this is it. Thank you so much." I insisted he at least grab some milk, but he had nowhere to store it. 5/x

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David Velasquez

2 years

We hear it often: "Kaiser spends $50M on housing," "United HC donates $3M to food security..." so we asked, how much are private insurers REALLY spending on #SDOH ? Our work in @JournalGIM attempts to answer this Q -- you may or may not be surprised. 1/x

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David Velasquez

3 months

It is because of the ACA — and its extended subsidies — that after 30 years of living in the U.S, my immigrant parents finally got to see a Spanish-speaking, Latino primary care physician. They were so happy that they sent me selfies 🥹 Thank you, @BarackObama @JoeBiden @VP 🙏🏽

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@BarackObama

Barack Obama

3 months

Fourteen years ago today, I signed the Affordable Care Act into law. Afterwards, one Republican member of the House called the ACA the “most dangerous piece of legislation ever passed in Congress.” Another predicted the country would “never recover from it.” But then something

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David Velasquez

3 years

I stood up. Two interns & nurses remained silent, as did I. I wanted to say something, but fear of retaliation stopped me. This is the field I thought I would pursue. I didn't want to be ousted. I walked to the back of the room and held back tears of anger and embarrassment. 8/

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David Velasquez

6 months

1/ In 1993, my family crossed the US-Mexico border to seek refuge from a life of war and extreme poverty in Central America. Crammed in a truck heading north from Tijuana, one of the refugee passengers stuck his head out the window and shouted, "¡Estoy en los Estados Unidos!"

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David Velasquez

3 years

📢 Students from underprivileged backgrounds who are starting school soon: Growing up poor for me meant not being able to ask for much, thereby conditioning myself to not ask for anything at all. What have I learned since? We must ask for more. My✍️🏽:

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David Velasquez

4 years

The first customer he approached waved him away. Then the second, and the third. I continued shopping until I felt a hand lightly tap my shoulder. It was the man, we'll call him Miguel. He asked for spare change, but I remorsefully told him that I barely had enough $ for.. 2/x

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David Velasquez

2 months

Final shift of medical school ✅ Tremendous gratitude for all the medical educators who taught me how to be a better clinician for my patients. Thank you, @DrDanRestrepo @AmulyaNagarurMD @jacquelinetchu @SimranGMD @CesarGBerto @amin_aalipour @AMLandryMD @AlisterFMartin

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David Velasquez

4 years

..my own groceries. He understood, but Miguel's ask prompted me to look into my wallet. Voila, a $20 bill that I did not know existed. I called him back. "Why are you asking for money?" I asked in Spanish. 3/x

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David Velasquez

9 months

On this #NationalLatinoPhysicianDay , I'm thinking about my parents who for the first time in their lives, saw a Spanish-speaking Latino doctor last year We need more Latinx doctors - I can't wait to be one of them Thank you @MichaelGalvezMD @TheMillennialMD for this movement 🙏🏽

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David Velasquez

3 years

Confused, I looked directly at her and froze. She would not make eye contact with me. "It's part of our culture. You have to sit in the back." The table, large enough to seat 20, had 14 empty seats. For over 2 weeks, I had religiously signed out patients with the intern. 7/

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David Velasquez

2 months

Wow, this is huge. The Biden Administration just announced that starting November, DACA recipients will be eligible for health insurance through the ACA marketplace. A big step towards ensuring that health care access is a human right.

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Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Expands Health Coverage to DACA Recipients | The White House

President Biden Announces Final Rule that will Allow Eligible DACA Recipients to Enroll in Affordable Care Act Coverage Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is expanding access to affordable,...

www.whitehouse.gov

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David Velasquez

4 years

🚨 NEW: My thoughts in @BostonGlobe 🙏🏽 Millions of immigrants do not become citizens of the United States because they cannot learn English while working multiple jobs, raising children, and surviving poverty. We must include them in our democracy:

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David Velasquez

3 years

Later that day, we again rounded on our patients when the senior resident received a page for an acute trauma. "Here we go!" I thought. Instead of asking me to join, she told me to stay on the floor. With little exposure, I could hardly envision myself as a surgeon anymore. 5/

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David Velasquez

4 years

A look at my last decade--both ups and downs: 2009: homeless-spent the summer in a tiny motel with my family 2013: became the first person in my family to attend college (Fight On @USC !) 2014: won the @lamarathon 19 & under age group 🏃‍♂️

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David Velasquez

3 years

It started at the end of an OR case, when the resident had her "downtime." "What are your plans after residency?" I asked. No answer. I then asked a more casual question. Still no answer. Sensing the awkwardness in the room, the scrub tech asked me about my interests. 3/

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David Velasquez

3 years

At 5 AM the next day, I rounded with the team. We visited about 20 patients that morning, but none knew my role or name. The resident only introduced herself and the intern before quickly examining the patient. We were short on time, I told myself, it made sense. 4/

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David Velasquez

3 years

After a nearly 14 hour shift, I headed to the conference room to sign-out our patients to the night team. The resident came in a bit late and sat down next to me. "You can't sit here," she said without looking over at me. 6/

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David Velasquez

3 years

A new intern and resident joined the team. I always looked forward to meeting the medical trainees, since I often thought about becoming a trauma surgeon. They were role models in my eyes. Slowly, though, they proved me wrong. 2/

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David Velasquez

4 years

Whether here or across the world, we are all in this together, and we can do more for every human being during and after this pandemic. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost someone to #covid19 . Here's to a better future. Rest in peace, uncle. 12/x

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David Velasquez

3 years

In May 2019, my father had a heart attack. He was uninsured--he did not qualify for Medicaid and could not afford private insurance--so we received 4 medical bills after his hospital stay. The grand total? $126,000. 4x his annual income that year. 1/7

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David Velasquez

4 years

I called my mom today. She said she prayed for “el otro viejito” ( @JoeBiden ) to win. We got this fam, this always works 🙏🏽

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David Velasquez

18 days

13-year-old me, who was homeless with my family, could have used more role models. I hope I can be that person for anyone in need of one today. Thank you @NewsNation for the opportunity to share a message of hope and inspiration to disadvantaged students everywhere 🙌🏽

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David Velasquez

4 years

When I went home last month, I saw how not having a computer, the skills to use one, and an internet connection will damage my parents' access to health care during #COVID19 Today in @Health_Affairs , we discuss how to mitigate these barriers: 1/2

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David Velasquez

16 days

In time, they will achieve their dreams. They will become doctors, engineers, architects, inventors, and more. And I will cheer them on as they go, feeling lucky that maybe, just maybe, I played a tiny role in helping them find the strength to do so. 10/x

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David Velasquez

5 years

Overwhelmed with all the support 🙏🏽 thank you everyone, and to @emmabgo once again for shedding light on this issue.

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David Velasquez

8 months

On #NationalFirstGenDay , I'm thinking about the happiest day of my life -- the day I got into @USC Becoming the 1st in my family to attend college meant that I could become a doctor & support my family who sacrificed it all to give me a shot. Thank you @USC for believing in me!

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David Velasquez

3 years

We should stop using “complaint” when describing patient interactions. Instead of “chief complaint” —> “reason for visit” Instead of “patient complains” —> “patient reports” 📝 Words go a long way.

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David Velasquez

4 years

Blessed to be a US Latino Fellow with the Center for Public Leadership @Kennedy_School alongside amazing peers like @sofsandovl The work continues! ✊🏽 #SiSePuede Check out this year's fellows here:

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David Velasquez

4 years

My dad’s friend worrying about paying his rent without a #stimuluscheck bc of his immigration status while I hotspot WiFi to my laptop bc my parents couldn’t afford paying for the internet this month is what #COVID19 is doing to poor families at home

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David Velasquez

4 years

Every time I talk to an undocumented immigrant, they tell me that most Americans ignore or scold them when they ask for help. This is wrong, but I understand that many Americans are unfamiliar with this population. So let me tell you the story of my father. 1/x

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David Velasquez

2 months

Because I walk away knowing that a kid like me can not only attend these institutions, but can also exceed the expectations placed on today's young, poor, and Hispanic kids like me -- next month, I will become the first person ever to hold 3 graduate degrees from Harvard Medical

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David Velasquez

3 years

Wow. When the photo on the left was taken, me & my older brothers were sleeping on a mattress in the living room of a one-bedroom apartment. Today we are making history in the @BostonGlobe ✊🏽❤️

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David Velasquez

3 years

This one is so so special. It is for the children growing up without housing, the mothers fighting to bring home warm meals, and the families holding on tight with love and strength. It is my journey, my family, and life's inequity all in one.

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David Velasquez

3 years

Beyond excited to officially start @HarvardHBS on Tuesday! Fam, we have arrived 🙏🏽

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David Velasquez

6 months

On #InternationalMigrantsDay , I am reflecting on the gift of life that mom & dad gave me & my brothers by seeking asylum in the U.S. We started in a shelter (pic 1) but will/have become a Marine, doctor, running coach, & Deputy Sheriff (pic 2). Migrants deserve a chance 🙌🏽🙌🏼

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David Velasquez

4 years

. @harvardmed just announced the renaming of Holmes Society (originally named after Oliver Wendell Holmes whom expelled the first 3 Black students at HMS) to the William Augustus Hinton Society. Hinton was the first Black full professor at Harvard Med 👏

@LashNolen

LaShyra Nolen, MD, MPP

4 years

So excited to announce that the Holmes Society will now be known as the HINTON Society! Named for Dr. William Augustus Hinton, the first Black full professor at Harvard and @harvardmed . First let me say, student advocacy makes a difference y’all.✊🏾 1/

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David Velasquez

2 years

Every Christmas Eve, my mother, a low-wage worker, sends whatever extra cash she earns to her sisters in Central America. Her sisters use this cash for a Christmas meal, under one condition: they must also travel to the poorest part of Guatemala City. 1/x

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David Velasquez

4 years

Back home, my Spanish-speaking community does not receive adequate health information on nutrition, exercise, health insurance, and much more. This same trend is visibly noticeable when I care for patients in Chelsea, MA, a predominantly Latinx community. 1/4

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David Velasquez

4 years

#COVID19 is hurting us all, but it's hurting non-English speakers in unimaginable ways--including my dearest family and friends. We must continue to fight for our vulnerable patients. Thank you to @emmabgo for highlighting this topic in the @nytimes .

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David Velasquez

4 years

NEW in @Health_Affairs ➡️ we wrote about the importance of providing non-English speakers with #COVID19 health information & provide recs for local leaders to respond. Honored to advocate for vulnerable communities during this trying time.

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David Velasquez

23 days

Most evenings after a long day at work, my dad would come home and sift through Nicaraguan websites like @laprensa , hoping for good news. Today, that good news is our story 🥲 Muchísimas gracias por detallar nuestra historia @laprensa . Nuestra familia lo agradece 🙌🏽

@laprensa

LA PRENSA Nicaragua

24 days

🎓 David Velasquez, el médico graduado de Harvard que es hijo de migrantes nicaragüenses. ➡️ Velásquez se graduó en Medicina, y dos máster en Políticas Públicas y Negocios que obtuvo en la prestigiosa Universidad de Harvard.

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David Velasquez

2 months

. @Harvard asked me one question: looking back at the past 7 years at Harvard Med, Harvard Business School, & Harvard Kennedy School, what are you grateful for? My answer was clear: the village that got me here. Link to my answer & snippet of my journey:

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Harvard Class of 2024: David Velasquez

In 2023, David Velasquez graduated from Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School. This year, he will graduate from Harvard Medical School. Learn mo...

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@davidevelasqu

David Velasquez

2 months

When I visited @harvardmed in 2016 for my medical school interview, I was awed by the marble buildings and legacy of doctors who had once stepped foot on the campus. But I wondered whether a kid like me, a kid who grew up poor and homeless, belonged at a place like Harvard. 1/x

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David Velasquez

3 years

Today just became 1000000x sweeter. My dad, who transports elderly patients to and from their clinic appointments, received his first dose of the #COVID19 vaccine. A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you, Science. Thank you 🙏🏽

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David Velasquez

4 years

After a 6-month hiatus, I’m excited (and a bit nervous) to start my medicine sub-internship next week @BrighamWomens alongside inspiring #Latinx doctors @translatedmed @DrWilfredoM @LeivaOrly @joefigs2 #MedTwitter #medstudenttwitter any/all advice welcomed 🙏🏽 🩺

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David Velasquez

2 months

Now, nearly 8 years after my Harvard interview, I have not yet figured out how to make sure that every human being has access to healthcare, a stable roof over their head, or nutritious meals in their belly. But I have figured out that I do belong. That YOU do belong. And with

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David Velasquez

2 months

Thank you @Harvard for sharing my story. ) 8/x

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Bringing personal perspective to homeless care — Harvard Gazette

Soon-to-be Med School grad’s family struggled in U.S. after fleeing war-torn Central America. He hasn’t forgotten.

news.harvard.edu

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David Velasquez

4 years

Here's why this work is SO important: Doc walks in. I introduce myself to doc while I sit with Latina patient. Doc talks to her in spanglish & then turns to me. "Why don't you sit in the waiting room and we let you know when the surgery is over?" I'm in scrubs w/my ID badge 😐

@AdamLBeckman

Adam Beckman MD

4 years

as data increasingly demonstrates the "racial pandemic within the viral pandemic" the emerging leaders in medicine are one source of hope in a new @MedEdPORTAL article, MS3 @sofsandovl & @harvardmed team share needed, innovative ways to address microaggressions on the wards 🙌

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David Velasquez

1 year

Hospitals across the U.S. are building programs to address health-related social needs & #SDOH What can we learn from hospitals in Massachusetts that are often on the frontier of care delivery innovation? We explore in @nejmcatalyst & find that.. 1/x

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David Velasquez

4 years

It pains me because broken systems here and afar failed him. America did not lend him a helping hand, and it did not acknowledge his hardship to lift him up as it should. Instead, it let deficient policies mar his humanity and seep content for his situation. 9/x

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David Velasquez

4 years

2017: medical school 🩺 2019: fought to find my parents a home & save them from medical bankruptcy 2019 (cont.): built the courage to earnestly speak to my parents about their challenging pasts (highly recommend!) Happy New Year twitter fam 🎉

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David Velasquez

6 months

4/The story is one of adversity, kindness, and hope -- and learning from the past to humanely face today's migrant crisis. In the end, I hope we come to see that all people deserve a helping hand, warm compassion, and a reason to dream in America.

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Migrants are overloading American cities’ capacities to serve them. They deserve our help anyway. -...

Thirty years ago, my parents found sanctuary and a reason to dream in America. Today, those fleeing impossible circumstances should have the same shot at new and better lives.

www.bostonglobe.com

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David Velasquez

1 year

@JoaquinCastrotx @harvardmed @HarvardHBS @Kennedy_School Thank you, Representative Castro!

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David Velasquez

3 months

DEI in medicine is under attack. California's medical board faces litigation over implicit bias policies, health systems are pausing DEI training, & far-right legislators seek to prevent med schools from teaching about structural racism & more. This is bad news for anyone who

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David Velasquez

3 years

@drpwh62 @AMLandryMD Thank you, Paul. I did flag this individual to the medical student program director at the respective hospital.

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David Velasquez

16 days

In January 2013, I received the best news of my life. I got into @USC with a scholarship. My mother & I cried and hugged. I would be the first person in my family to go to college. 5/x

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David Velasquez

5 years

On rounds w/a new team— Doc: you’re staying until rehab Patient: *mutters words* Doc: (louder) you’re staying until rehab Patient: (turns to me) que está diciendo? (what is he saying?) Please consider an interpreter for all LEP patients, including those who speak SOME English.

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David Velasquez

3 years

Excited to share our ( @joefigs2 ) latest paper in @nejmcatalyst on ACO-Social Service Organization (SSO) partnerships and their efforts to address housing and nutrition-related needs in Massachusetts A thread on what we learned and what this means.. 1/x

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David Velasquez

3 years

🚨 Our @GOTVax_org blueprint is out now in @nejmcatalyst From inception to execution, we describe our effort to vaccinate 6500+ community members during #covid19 Endless thanks to the @GOTVax_org team for its commitment to health equity ✊🏽✊🏿✊🏻

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