Spotlighting our Providence Swedish caregivers to honor National Hispanic Heritage Month
As a first generation Mexican American, Guadalupe Duarte, a certified medical assistant (CMA) at Providence Swedish's Edmonds Birth and Family Clinic, is very proud of her heritage and carrying her name with pride. She was the first woman on her father’s side to graduate high school and move on to get a certified degree. She wants to not only set an example as a Mexican woman in healthcare, but to also be a visible role model for younger generations. She is a proud aunt to two nieces and two nephews, and she wants them to know they can do anything if they set their mind to it.
“One of the things I sought out when I came to Providence Swedish was seeing visibility of caregivers who shared in my culture. It’s so important and can also help community members feel more welcome in our hospitals,” Guadalupe says.
Certified Medical Assistant Guadalupe Duarte (at far right) with two co-workers at Swedish's Edmonds Birth and Family Clinic.
Guadalupe has been a CMA at Providence Swedish Edmonds since 2020. When she brings a patient into the clinic, she is committed to treating them as a whole person, not just a name or condition. She pictures a family member and asks, ‘How would I want them to be treated?’ When she trains other medical assistants, she tried to instill that same value in them.
It’s important to her because she did not grow up receiving that level of care.
Her family grew up poor and her parents, who spoke Spanish, were not always listened to by medical professionals because of the language barrier. Guadalupe understands what her parents experienced, she says. Before she lost 150 pounds, she was treated very differently by healthcare professionals when receiving care. She understands on a profound level the importance of seeing a patient through their lived experience and beyond what may seem to be their obvious circumstances.
“All of that led me to say, ‘If nobody is giving families like mine the care they need, I will be the one to start it,’” she says.
She is living the change she wished to see in the world. Guadalupe is currently studying to become a social worker so she can form an even deeper connection with patients at Providence Swedish and support the whole person.
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Learn more and find a provider
If you have a health issue or concern, it’s important to see a provider for the right care when you need it. Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, Providence Swedish is here for you.
Every year, more babies are born at Swedish than any other health system in Western Washington. Visit our website to learn more about Swedish's maternity and childbirth resources.
For urgent, walk-in or after-hours care, visit one of our Swedish Urgent Care facilities. Swedish Express Care Virtual connects you face-to-face with a nurse practitioner who can review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. If you need to find a doctor, you can use our Swedish provider directory. If you have questions about care for your children or want to schedule vaccines and immunizations for them, contact Swedish Pediatrics or your child’s primary care provider.
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Additional resources
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Los orientadores culturales ayudan a eliminar disparidades en el sector de la atención médica
“Health equity starts with honoring the humanity in everyone you meet.”
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
