The importance of family

Latino Leaders: The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino, June-July, 2006 by Wendy Pedrero

Leaders manifest themselves in many areas of society, and the field of Medicine lends itself well for this type of individual. Medicine is a field where men and women alike make numerous sacrifices for the greater wealth that is helping others. Behind those sacrifices, the many long hours of work, the hectic, almost never ending schedules, the lack of sleep, the time away from home, each man and woman that lives to save others' lives has a support system; a solid foundation that offers them strength and also a safe haven from the demands of their careers: they have families. But how important are these individuals for them? What part do they play in balancing the lives of these remarkable professionals?

Here are the answers to those questions. For the first time ever, we let you take a peek into the private lives and the more intimate side of some of Miami's most prominent doctors. We chose them because their contributions to the community are clearly worth recognizing, and because for them, their families are more than just a consequential part of their lives; they are a key tool in their achievement of success and leadership.

These are some of the most distinguished members of the Medical profession in Miami, Florida, who along with many others, work very hard to make this world a better place.

Maritza Fuentes, M.D.

Where I'm from: Cuba

My specialties are: Family Medicine, which encompasses General Medicine, Pediatrics, and OB-GYN. Also, Television Journalism.

Why my family is vital to me: "Because it is the center of my equilibrium, of my daily motivation. It is the nest of both my happiest and most difficult moments, and the most rewarding institution, if you know to manage it well."

What I love and enjoy most about my family: "Mostly, I love and deeply enjoy my daughter, who is 9 years-old and who I consider my friend, my partner; whom I respect and who respects me. I always listen to her so that she always finds it interesting to talk with me, and I thoroughly enjoy the times we spend together everyday. As parents, we have to share our wisdom with our children, and explain to them why we think or feel that way. I also love at the end of the day when we get together and pray to give thanks for the good days or for the learning we do on those days that are not".

With me, in the picture are: My daughter, Katherine Martinez Fuentes

Where I can be reached: Univision, Miami 4305 Nw 97th Ave Doral, FL 33178 (305) 477-6778

Pedro Greer, Jr., M.D.

Where I'm from: Born and raised in Miami; my parents are from Cuba

My specialties are: Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Why my family is vital to me: "I consider my family my greatest success, not for what I have done but to be a part of it; all else pails to what my family means to me."

What I love and enjoy most about my family: "Every single aspect of it."

With me, in the picture are: My wife Janus and my son, Peter Joseph the III.

Where I can be reached: 3661 S. Miami Ave., Suite 805, Miami, Florida 33133 (305) 856-7333

Photo by: Elio Escalante

Carlos Emilio Alvarez, M.D.

Where I'm from: Santa Ana, El Salvador.

My specialties are: General and Colon and Rectal Surgery (Proctology)

Why my family is vital to me: "Family is the most important part of life. My success would have not been possible without the support of my wife, children and parents. I have 4 children and 10 grandchildren."

What I love and enjoy most about my family: "Life with my wife (traveling or just enjoying each other); seeing my children grow and achieve success in their careers, marriages and life, and watching my grandchildren grow and develop."

With me, in the picture are: My wife, Anita and my grandchildren: Gabriela, Diego and Gonzalo Schaps

Where I can be reached: 3661 South Miami Ave., Suite 1006, Miami, Florida 33173 (305) 854-2432

Photo by Elio Escalante

Gustavo Plasencia, MD

Where I'm from: Pinar Del Rio, Cuba

My specialty is: General, Laparoscopy and Colon and Rectal Surgery

Why my family is vital to me: "They are my inspiration and the force behind my professional growth (my back bone)."

What I love and enjoy most about my family: "after dinner talks and vacationing together."

With me, in the picture are: My wife, Maria Caridad, my daughter Alexandra and my son Alexis.

Where I can be reached: 9195 S.W. 72nd St. Suite 230, Miami, Florida 33122 (305) 271-0300

Photo by Elio Escalante

Edward Joseph Fisher, Jr., D.D.S.

Where I'm from: Born in Morgantown, West Virginia, raised in Gainesville, Florida; my mother was from Havana, Cuba.

My specialties are: General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Why my family is vital to me: "My family is very important to me. My wife of fourteen years, we have two children: Andrew (13) and Monica (10). There is no better job to have than to be a parent."

What I love and enjoy most about my family: "We Love to go to parks, enjoy the beach, go to movies and travel. Recently we have been to Boston and New York and have plans to go to Orlando and Virginia this summer."

With me, in the picture are: My wife Lourdes, my son Andrew and my daughter Monica.