MAS IMG section Member Voices 3
Familismo, Language, and Trust: Toward Family-Centered Care
centered care across generations

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By: Dr. Carmen Rodriguez

For many Hispanic/Latino patients, healthcare decisions are made together. Familismo, the central importance of family bonds, shapes how diagnoses are discussed, treatments weighed, and major decisions reached, often through collective decision-making that prioritizes the family unit. Having lived this value all my life, I see it as the fabric of our culture: the vehicle through which knowledge, guidance, and love are passed down.

Limited English proficiency is linked to poorer understanding of diagnoses, difficulty describing symptoms, and lower adherence. Many patients prefer Spanish and may ask relatives to interpret, yet research supports qualified professional interpreters and translated materials as the standard. The forward-thinking model integrates both: professional interpreters ensure accuracy while family remains a partner in care.

My mother’s cardiologist, Dr. Farhana Latif, showed the power of being heard. Despite a language barrier, my mother said, “She listens, and she sees me.” Feeling heard, she followed every instruction.

Trust reflects prior experiences with health systems, perceived discrimination, communication quality, and genuine cultural respect. Language barriers erode satisfaction and trust; respectful communication, cultural humility, and strong patient-provider relationships rebuild them. We must also avoid treating Hispanic/Latino patients as monolithic: preferences vary by country of origin, generation, fluency, socioeconomic background, and individual beliefs.

Culturally responsive care rests on three commitments: reliable language access, intentional family inclusion, and trust-centered relationships. As an Afro-Latina, I feel a deep connection and honor in serving all communities, but especially those who are culturally similar. It is a privilege to serve as a bridge to close these gaps in patient care delivery and foster the trust our community deserves.

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