Elena V. Rios

Elena V. Rios (born 1955) is an American physician and public health advocate. She served as the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the National Hispanic Medical Association until June 1, 2024. She currently is president of the National Hispanic Health Foundation, focusing on leadership development, education and research.

Early life and education Rios was born in 1955 in Los Angeles, California. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose and White Memorial Medical Center in East Los Angeles in 1990.

Career In 1989, Rios founded the National Network of Latin American Medical Students and played a pivotal role in establishing the National Hispanic Medical Association in 1994, and serving as its president until June 1, 2024. She has been involved with organizations including the American College of Physicians, the New York Academy of Medicine, and the Society of Medical Administrators.

Recognition Rios has received several awards, including the American Association of Indian Physicians Appreciation Award in 1995 and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health Award in 1998. She was also recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics by Hispanic Business Magazine in 2001. In 2006, Stanford University inducted her into the Minority Alumni Hall of Fame. She was named a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine in 2007 and of the American College of Physicians in 2016.