Larissa Avilés-Santa, M.D., MPH, FACP, FACE

Medical Officer, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Puerto Rican
Medical School: University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine
Residency: University Hospital in San Juan, Internal Medicine
Specialty Training: University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas

Dr. Avilés-Santa is a medical officer at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), and the project officer of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. She earned her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine, completed her residency training in Internal Medicine at the University Hospital in San Juan, and a subspecialty training in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. After finishing her fellowship, she joined the faculty of the Endocrine Division at UT Southwestern. There she worked in clinical research, teaching and direct patient care. She also earned a Masters in Public Health at the University of Texas School of Public Health. In 2006, Dr. Avilés-Santa joined the NHLBI at the National Institutes of Health. In addition, she created the first NIH Hispanic Health Research Scientific Interest Group, and she is a member of the NIH Hispanic Latino Engagement Committee. In addition, she is a member of the Board of Directors of the Puerto Rico Consortium for Clinical Investigation, and a member of the Steering Committee of the American College of Endocrinology Center for Transcultural Endocrinology. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology. She enjoys film and digital photography.