Impact Stories
Focus on Cardiology at AltaMed
As AltaMed's Cardiology Physician Champion, Dr. Cynthia Gonzalez is essential to bringing accessible, quality cardiology care to underserved communities.
As AltaMed's Cardiology Physician Champion, Cynthia Gonzalez, M.D. is essential to bringing accessible, quality cardiology care to underserved communities.
Building the Cardiology Service Line
Her position was created to support the new cardiology service line that AltaMed started in 2022 to offer in-clinic heart health evaluations and screenings for patients.
In 2024 alone, AltaMed providers have made 1,200 referrals to internal cardiologists and over 8,000 to external cardiologists—highlighting the need for cardiology services.
Training and Education
Over the last two years, Dr. Gonzalez has helped develop a training curriculum for AltaMed physicians, bringing in expert cardiologists to increase provider knowledge of structural heart disease, appropriate referrals, and other cardiovascular topics. With funding from Edwards Life Sciences Foundation, this program has educated 146 doctors since December 2022.
A Champion for Health Equity
As a first-generation Mexican American raised by a single mother, Dr. Gonzalez overcame challenges common in minority communities and mentors Latinas pursuing medical careers.
Bringing cardiology resources to our communities is essential for improving health equity.”
Dr. Cynthia Gonzalez
It's rewarding to learn alongside my colleagues to identify and treat cardiovascular conditions in areas where resources are limited.”
Dr. Cynthia Gonzalez
Expanding Access
Dr. Gonzalez integrated cardiology care at AltaMed's Pico Passons clinic, which now offers in-clinic cardiologist evaluations and diagnostics. She celebrated her 4-year anniversary at AltaMed Health Services in 2024.
Make a Difference