Audrey Escobedo-Escotto, MD, MPH

Chapter Co-Chair

Dr. Audrey Escobedo-Escotto is a physician with a minor in surgery from Guatemala and holds a Master’s in Public Health from the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University. With over a decade of experience in clinical research, she has led and overseen numerous studies across the Washington, D.C. metro area, with a strong commitment to advancing health equity and improving access to care.

Since joining Emerson Clinical Research Institute (ECRI) in 2013, Dr. Escobedo-Escotto has played a key leadership role in driving diversity in clinical trials. As Vice President of ECRI, she works to ensure that underrepresented communities are meaningfully included in research that shapes the future of medicine. Her multilingual fluency in English, Spanish and French has allowed her to build trusted relationships across diverse populations, helping bridge the gap between research and realworld patient needs. Deeply committed to community health, she co-founded the Emerson Community Clinic, a nonprofit health care center providing affordable care regardless of patients’ financial status. Beyond the clinic and research site, Dr. Escobedo-Escotto is a co-host of Tu Salud Tu Familia on Telemundo, a Spanish-language health and wellness program. Her work on the show has earned her multiple accolades, including four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Health and Science Special, and most recently, the 2025 Telly Award in the Television–General Health category. Her contributions have been nationally and internationally recognized. She was named one of the 40 Under 40 Leaders in Minority Health by the National Minority Quality Forum and, in January 2024, was honored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala for her outstanding service as a health care provider abroad.

Fabian Sandoval, MD

Chapter Co-Chair

Dr. Sandoval received his Bachelor of Science in molecular and cellular biology from Marymount University, and his Doctorate of Medicine from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara, School of Medicine. Before opening the doors to Emerson Clinical Research Institute (ECRI) Dr. Sandoval’s research activities have included bench research at the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) where he focused his work on Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, and Cretzfelt-Jakob Disease. Conducted multiple projects at the National Institutes of Healths’ Clinical Center conducting research in the outpatient Oncology unit, followed by his successful support of an NIH RO1 grant on preventing epilepsy in post-traumatic brain injury patients in adults and children, simultaneously run at the Washington Hospital Center, and Children’s National Medical Center.

Dr. Sandoval’s has conducted oversights on over 120 clinical research studies and served as the Supervisory Research Integrity & Compliance Officer in the Army Human Research Protections Office in the Office of the Army Surgeon General. Responsibilities included establishment, and oversight of Human Research Protection Programs across Army commands. His input has been instrumental in the review, development, and selection of protocols, in addition to education and training for residents and hospital faculty.

“I value the work of the NHMA and its physician members working together in solidarity. Hispanic doctors are essential to strengthening the cultural representation of clinical research outcomes. When Latino patients and physicians work together under a foundation of trust, we move closer to a shared mission: healthier communities and better, more representative medical innovations for all.”

— Dr. Fabian Sandoval

“National Hispanic Medical Association represents more than medicine — it represents equity, culture and opportunity. As the DC Chapter Chair in Washington, D.C., I aspire to lead because leadership transforms representation into action and passion into progress. I will turn vision into measurable impact, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and unity. Through this role, I hope to build a legacy that leaves our chapter stronger, more empowered, and more committed to advancing health equity for the communities we serve.”

— Dr. Audrey Escobedo-Escotto

Information coming soon!