Listening, learning connect UNC doctor with Latino community

Dr. Marco Aleman was born in Lima, Peru. His family moved to United States when he was 11 years old.

"I was brought up by my family to serve others and educate," he said.

"I feel an obligation as well as a desire to keep serving the community."

He gets to do both as an associate professor of medicine at UNC Medical Center.

While there, he has earned a spot on the Best Doctors In America list two years in a row.

Aleman's focus is in what he calls "Latino Clinics," providing health care to the Hispanic community from Spanish-speaking medical professionals.

"Interpreters are very good, but sometimes things get lost in translation," Aleman said.

He passes on his expertise to the next generation of Spanish-speaking doctors who will connect with that community.

"I help train medical students who know Spanish in medical terminology and cultural issues," he said.

UNC medical student Zac Spiritos said the most valuable lesson he's been taught has more to do with respect than with language or culture.

"He's great at just listening and reacting instead of kind of having his own script," Spiritos said of Aleman.

For information about Latino Clinics at UNC, call 919-966-5800.