AHPSI Leadership and Service Award Recognition
Announcement to Our Membership:
Dear AHPSI Members,
It is with profound pride and gratitude that the Hispanic Health Professionals Association, Inc. (AHPSI) announces a momentous occasion in our organization’s history.
On Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., we will honor six exceptional professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders with the prestigious «AHPSI Leadership and Service Award in the Medical Diaspora.» This recognition ceremony will take place during the V International Symposium: Advances in Vascular Health, Investment, and Medical Tourism, scheduled for October 24–26, 2025, at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Each of these distinguished honorees has made lasting contributions to science, health, education, and community service. Their remarkable achievements embody the values of integrity, leadership, and compassion that inspire our mission and define the essence of our organization.
These leaders represent the best of our medical diaspora—individuals whose dedication and vision have transformed lives, advanced healthcare, and strengthened communities across borders. Their recognition serves not only as a celebration of their accomplishments but also as an inspiration for current and future generations of healthcare professionals.
We invite all members to join us in celebrating these extraordinary individuals who continue to elevate the standards of excellence in healthcare and community service.
Detailed biographical information about each honoree will be shared in the coming days.
With sincere appreciation,
Hispanic Health Professionals Association, Inc. (AHPSI)
It is with profound pride and gratitude that the Hispanic Health Professionals Association, Inc. (AHPSI) presents the following summaries of six exceptional professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders who will be honored with the “AHPSI Leadership and Service Award in the Medical Diaspora” on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., during the V International Symposium: Advances in Vascular Health, Investment, and Medical Tourism, to be held October 24–26, 2025, at the AC Hotel by Marriott Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Each of these honorees has made lasting contributions to science, health, education, and community service, embodying the values of integrity, leadership, and compassion that inspire our mission.
1. Lic. Elba Rosa García Hernández
A Dominican legal professional and community leader, Lic. García Hernández has been a cornerstone of AHPSI’s success for over a decade, supporting scientific congresses in New York, Philadelphia, Reading, Boston, and Barahona, as well as community health fairs in New Jersey, New York, and the Dominican Republic.
A graduate in Law, Marketing, and Executive Secretariat from the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) and Universidad Abierta para Adultos (UAPA), she is currently pursuing a master’s in Real Estate Law. She is also co-founder of La Ley & Usted, an active member of the Dominican Bar Association (CARD), and a dedicated advocate for women’s rights.
Her leadership, volunteerism, and commitment to service — particularly through the TV AHPSI “Tu Voz” educational platform — have empowered countless health professionals and community members.
2. Lic. José M. Brito Bueno
An influential entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mr. Brito Bueno serves as President and CEO of WeCare Home Care Inc., operating successfully across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Over the past 15 years, he has been a steadfast supporter of AHPSI’s scientific and community programs in the U.S. and the Dominican Republic.
A visionary leader, he has received proclamations and honors from the U.S. Congress, New Jersey Legislature, and multiple community organizations for his contributions to economic growth, education, and health equity. His efforts have created professional opportunities for hundreds of Hispanic families, embodying the values of service and empowerment that AHPSI promotes.
3. Dr. Yolanny Ramírez
A Dominican-born physician and Family Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Ramírez has become an inspirational mentor for foreign-trained health professionals integrating into the U.S. healthcare system.
She earned her medical degree from the Universidad Central del Este (UCE) and has advanced degrees in Family Nursing and Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing.
Through her educational initiative Edu Medical, she has guided hundreds of immigrant nurses in preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam, promoting academic excellence and professional mobility.
Her work for the State of New Jersey and her contributions as a lecturer in the U.S., Peru, and the Dominican Republic exemplify her dedication to improving both physical and mental health outcomes.
4. Dr. Lourdes Piña de León de González
Born in Bohechío, Dominican Republic, Dr. Piña graduated as a physician from the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD) in 1976 and became part of the country’s first class of anesthesiologists.
Her distinguished medical career spans public hospitals and community clinics, where she has served thousands of patients with compassion and skill.
A pioneer in professional organizations, she co-founded the CMD (Dominican Medical College) chapters in Boston and Pennsylvania, served as treasurer and multiple-term officer of the CMD, and helped establish the Los Pinos de Otoño de MEDICOOP cooperative.
Her more than 40 years of service reflect her commitment to medicine, education, and the diaspora’s professional unity.
5. Dr. Sander Harvey Méndez Del Valle
A physician, researcher, and community advocate, Dr. Méndez Del Valle earned his medical degree from the Universidad Central del Este (UCE) and a master’s in Health Management from the Universidad Católica Santo Domingo (UCSD).
He served for a decade as Director of the Guayabal Clinic Hospital (Azua) and later as Provincial Health Director in Elías Piña, before emigrating to the U.S., where he now works in Massachusetts in healthcare administration.
His research contributions — published in the Dominican Medical Association Journal — include studies on breastfeeding, pharyngitis prevalence, and substance use among youth athletes.
Dr. Méndez’s lifelong dedication to medicine, education, and community service represents the spirit of perseverance and excellence that AHPSI seeks to honor.
6. Dr. José Isidro Ruiz
A renowned Dominican neurosurgeon and educator, Dr. Ruiz graduated from INTEC (Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo) and specialized in neurosurgery at the Dr. Darío Contreras Hospital.
With over 30 years of medical and academic service, he has trained generations of neurosurgeons and held key leadership positions at national hospitals and the Armed Forces Medical Center.
Dr. Ruiz has participated in more than 140 international conferences and has been an essential contributor to AHPSI’s scientific and media initiatives, including as a leading voice on TV AHPSI, “Tu Voz.”
His legacy in medicine and education continues to inspire colleagues and students alike throughout the Dominican Republic and the diaspora.
Each of these honorees embodies the mission of AHPSI — to unite, educate, and empower Hispanic health professionals while advancing community well-being through science and service.
We are honored to share their stories with you, Assemblymember Tapia, and deeply grateful for your continued leadership and support of the Hispanic professional community.
With highest esteem and appreciation,
Dr. Aritmedes Restituyo
President
Hispanic Health Professionals Association, Inc. (AHPSI)
info@ahpsi.org | 732-277-9640
