Luis Castellanos: Advocate for Health Equity and Mentor in Medicine

Physician, clinician, mentor and father are just a few of the titles that describe Luis Castellanos, M.D., professor in the Department of Medicine and director of the Program in Medical Education--Health Equity (PRIME-HEq) at UC San Diego School of Medicine.

With an active cardiology practice at UC San Diego Health, Castellanos has committed his career to improving the lives of his patients, while serving as a mentor to countless medical students, especially those underrepresented in medicine.

“One of the things I've learned is that I did not get to this position on my own,” said Castellanos. “I was very fortunate to receive amazing mentorship from other clinicians and other professors. I want to do the same for others. I feel like it’s my duty to help other young physicians, especially those who come from underserved areas like myself.”

Originally motivated to go into medicine after witnessing his grandfather’s struggle with congestive heart failure, Castellanos made it his goal to learn more about medicine and ultimately pursue a career in cardiovascular medicine. With the help and motivation from an advisor at UC Davis, where he completed a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry, he applied to and was accepted at Harvard Medical School.

Growing up in the Central Valley of California, the east coast proved to be a dramatic change in both climate and cultural environment. As a first generation physician in a family with seven siblings, Castellanos knows the importance of staying connected with the community.  

“After four years in New England, I decided it was in my best interest to return back to California,” he said. “I wanted to return home so that I could help my family and people that needed me. I was very fortunate to find a wonderful environment here at UC San Diego. When I came to interview for the internal medicine residency program, about 20 years ago, I found an amazing group of people who wanted to learn and provide medical care to underserved communities.”

In addition to serving as the PRIME-HEq director, Castellanos is the vice chair for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in the Department of Medicine. Earlier this year he was awarded the UC San Diego César Chávez Community Award, which recognizes individuals who uphold the legacy of César Chávez by giving back to the community and advocating for the rights of the voiceless and underserved.

Managing and juggling all of his responsibilities, not only in education, but also having an active clinical practice and being dad to three energetic boys between the ages of 8 and 12 is quite challenging. He credits his wife for being the bedrock of the family.

“I am very blessed to have a wonderful and beautiful wife who is very supportive and helps us keep going forward every day,” he noted.