As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Ranken Jordan is proud to highlight the inspiring journey of Dr. Rosa Suarez-Solar, a dedicated pediatrician who has been on our team for 19 years. Dr. Rosa’s story is a testament to the ways in which diversity contributes to the excellence of our care and the strength of our workforce.
Born in New York, Dr. Rosa moved at 11-months-old to be raised in Puerto Rico. She’s a self-described “Boricua,” a native of Puerto Rico, at heart. In 1991, she moved once more, this time to St. Louis for her pediatric residency at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. She recalls her first experience with cold weather saying, “I watched the news and they said that the wind chill factor was zero. I thought that meant that there was no wind, so I took my dog out for a walk! Needless to say, we didn’t walk very far since we both almost froze.” Despite the hurdles of a new culture, Dr. Rosa thrived, thanks to the support of her colleagues and the welcoming people of the St. Louis community.
Dr. Rosa’s deep connection to her Puerto Rican roots remains a vital part of her identity. She fondly recalls the warmth and friendliness of the people, the vibrant music, and the beautiful traditions. She cherishes the celebration of Tres Reyes (the feast of the three kings), passing along the customs to her children as they set out shoe boxes for the Kings’ camels. And importantly, she treasures the delicious food of her homeland. Her love for Puerto Rican cuisine, especially the traditional Christmas meal of roasted pork, arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) and pasteles (pork encased in green plantain masa and wrapped in banana leaves).
“In PR we have this sweet bread called “Pan Sobao” that you get at any bakery; It is so good that by the time you get home, it's gone!” – Dr. Rosa
Her cultural ties not only enrich her personal life but also enhance her professional interactions at Ranken Jordan. English speaking patients are often curious about her accent and sometimes ask to learn Spanish words. Spanish speaking families are often relieved and reassured by the shared understanding and sense of solidary. “I can speak freely with them in their language, and they don’t feel intimidated because they can’t speak English.”
Ranken Jordan’s Care Beyond the Bedside® Model offers professional and skilled medical interpreter services. But. Dr. Rosa’s ability to connect with patients and families through shared language and cultural understanding serves as an invaluable supplement. Her presence often gives Spanish-speaking families the feeling of being seen, fostering a more supportive environment during challenging moments of care. In addition to the unfamiliarity of a new environment, Dr. Rosa explains that “we have families that lose their house, lose another member of their family, or are dealing with their own mental and physical health issues while also trying to deal with their hospitalized kid.” Seeing a kindred face who can relate to a part of the journey can sometimes make all the difference.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Rosa for her invaluable contributions. We admire her for embodying the core values of compassion and excellence. Dr. Rosa’s impact on the hospital underscores the importance of a diverse team that treats the varied backgrounds of patients and families with respect.
Thank you, Dr. Rosa, for bringing the beauty and culture of Puerto Rico to this small corner of Missouri.
