ABOUT MICHELLE GARRIDO, MD, MS

My parents are first generation Cuban refugees who came to the US in the 1960s. I am the first person in my family to attend and graduate from college. Because of my formative background, I have an intimate understanding of the value of perseverance and the minority experience in America. As a Cuban-American, I spoke only Spanish at home, and went to our family doctor (a fellow Cuban) who knew my family for generations. He would even do house calls to my ill grandfather! This was the kind of doctor I fantasized about becoming. He was my inspiration to become THAT kind of doctor, the one who spent time caring for patients, leaving us truly cared for.

BACKGROUND

Prior to medical school, I completed a graduate degree in biology. As a graduate student and then high school science teacher, I learned how to adapt my teaching skills to a variety of learning styles. I firmly believe that presenting information in different ways is the key to creating ‘lightbulb’ moments that translate abstract facts into applicable, usable knowledge.

I further developed my skills as a teacher while in medical school. I participated in a high school summer program at the medical school, providing insight into the medical field, teaching basic anatomy, and overall exposing underprivileged youth that someone who is very similar to them, can succeed. I sought to be someone relatable and inspirational.

I believe that one of the greatest responsibilities a doctor possesses, in addition to healing, is teaching. Each day as a practicing primary care physician at Optum, I find new and better ways to teach patients about their bodies, ailments, options, and preventative choices.

ADVOCACY

As a lesbian woman, my mission also includes increasing clinical competency in LGBTQ+ health along with improved access to care for my community. Recognizing the lack of formal instruction in queer health in medical school curriculum, I became active in Queers & Allies (Q&A) in Medicine, an educational and advocacy group on the UIC campus, and I co-developed teaching content that is still shared with medical students at UIC College of Medicine.

I believe in every patient-physician interaction, there is a power disproportion. Many patients probably feel dis-empowered, unequal in information or authority. My desire is to empower my patients.

Over the years, I have accumulated teaching, writing, and research experiences. I am a patient advocate and clinician-teacher. Recognizing that physicians are still lacking in queer health competency, I serve as a leader and LGBQ+ Champion at Optum, where I have assumed the roles of clinician coach, patient advocate, and teacher.

To inquire about speaking or writing opportunities, please contact Michelle