NYDA National Hispanic Heritage Month Provider Feature: Dr. Fadel C. Carcamo, DMD
Oct 13, 2023
Dr. Fadel C. Carcamo, DMD, Associate Program Director, Dental Department, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Physician Affiliate Group of New York (PAGNY) and New York Dental Affiliates (NYDA) are proud to feature Dr. Fadel C. Carcamo, DMD, Associate Program Director of the Dental Department at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln
Dr. Carcamo was born in Maganue, Colombia, and he arrived in the United States in 1972, at the age of 7.
We sat down with Dr. Carcamo to learn more about who has inspired him throughout his career and his advice for the next generation of Latino providers. Here's what he had to say.
NYDA: What do you enjoy the most about your career and the patients you serve?
Dr. Carcamo: I have been in practice for 27 years and have loved every minute of it. I serve underprivileged communities and am happy to see my patients smile once treatment is completed.
NYDA: Why is Latino representation among medical professionals important?
Dr. Carcamo: I believe representation of all heritages is important in medicine, as in other advanced degrees. The mingling of cultures creates community and growth. Particularly in medicine where patients are often fearful of doctors. Seeing themselves represented encourages trust.
NYDA: What advice would you give the next generation of Latino/Hispanic professionals who wish to pursue a medical career?
Dr. Carcamo: I advise the next generation to never let anyone tell them that their dreams are beyond reach. In high school, I was told I would be better off choosing a career in line with the results of my career aptitude test – sanitation. With dedication and hard work, nothing is out of reach.
NYDA: Were there any Hispanic or Latino-American pioneers in medicine or doctors from your childhood that inspired you?
Dr. Carcamo: My godfather, Dr. Sauda, was a gynecologist in Colombia, and my uncle was an internal medicine doctor for 40 years, also in Colombia.
My older brother, Dr. Jorge Y. Carcamo, arrived in the U.S. from Colombia at the age of 14 without knowing English or having any of the ESL support available in contemporary education. He graduated from the New Jersey University of Medicine and Dentistry in 1986.
PAGNY and NYDA are proud to feature our Hispanic and Latino healthcare professionals like Dr. Fadel C. Carcamo. His commitment to serving the families of New York City and inspiring the next generation of Latino physicians exemplifies what it means to be a NYDA dentist.