May 2, 2024
By President & CEO Dr. Pat Lee
As we observe Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we not only commit to provide equitable healthcare for all in Travis County, but we also celebrate the AAPI pioneers who’ve made indelible marks in the fields of science and medicine. I stand with you as a member of the AAPI community, acknowledging our shared experiences and the barriers we’ve faced in healthcare. From language hurdles to the subtleties of cultural expressions, our healthcare system should embrace every nuance to cater to our diverse populations.
At Central Health, we’re not merely acknowledging these barriers—we’re actively breaking them down. With expanded interpreter services and culturally sensitive care, we’re cultivating an environment that respects and serves the unique needs of our AAPI residents.
This month, we honor the legacy of AAPI giants in science and medicine. We celebrate Dr. Har Gobind Khorana, an Indian American biochemist whose Nobel Prize-winning research on genetic codes has pioneered modern genetic engineering.
Dr. Tsai-Fan Yu, a trailblazer in gout research and the first woman to hold a full professorship at Mount Sinai, continues to impact medical treatments today.
Dr. Tetsuko Atsuko’s innovations in artificial heart technology have saved countless lives, marking her as a visionary in the field.
Dr. Abraham Verghese has enriched medical education through his significant contributions to medical humanities.
Additionally, we recognize Dr. George C. Chang, whose advocacy has greatly promoted the interests of the Asian American community in Austin by achieving recognition of Asians as a minority group.
Dr. Mitchel Wong, notable as the first person of Chinese descent born in Austin, has made substantial contributions to our medical community through his work at Austin Eye.
These extraordinary individuals among a multitude of others demonstrate how Asian American and Pacific Islanders have shaped our understanding of health and continue to influence the future of medicine.
At Central Health, we’re building a healthcare system as diverse as our community—one that stands on the pillars of inclusivity, innovation, and respect. Let’s unite in creating a future where healthcare equity is a reality for everyone.
Thank you for joining us on this vital journey, and together we will make this Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month a time of reflection, education, and celebration.