Juan Espino, PA-C, specializes in general surgery and is fluent in Spanish. He cares for hospitalized patients at Hillcrest Medical Center.

Juan was inspired to pursue a career in medicine after witnessing and experiencing the inequalities in access to health care, especially among people of lower economic status.

He chose to focus on general surgery because it allows him to utilize all of the various skills he learned and enjoyed while doing clinicals and studying during PA school. "Going into general surgery allows me to utilize all those tools given to me in school and apply them to patient care," he said.

As Juan cares for patients, he makes it a point to actively listen and try to understand the different backgrounds that everyone comes from. He encourages everyone to be open and honest during their care process. "It allows us as providers to deliver the best care possible. Also, don't be afraid to advocate for your own health," he said.

When Juan isn't working, he can be found spending time with family and friends and trying out new restaurants.