Pedro Díaz on Health Equity and Human-Centered Pediatric Services
At Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., healthcare doesn’t begin at the operating room door - it begins at the welcome desk.
In Episode 36 of Connected Conversations, host Elena Petrova sits down with Pedro C. Díaz, Director of Language & Guest Services, to explore how language access, empathy, and cultural competence are quietly shaping safer, more human healthcare experiences for children and their families.
This episode is also released in support of Race for Every Child 2025 - an annual event that raises critical funds for life-saving care and health equity initiatives at Children’s National.
Why Language Access Is Not Just a Service - It’s a Safety Issue
Pedro shares how professional interpreters and accessible communication reduce risk, improve clarity, and create comfort during some of the most stressful moments in a family’s life.
Whether a family speaks Spanish, Amharic, American Sign Language, or any other language, his team ensures every patient is heard and understood—without exception.
Cultural Competency Is More Than a Buzzword
In addition to language services, Pedro oversees guest services, hospital operators, and the front-line teams who shape first impressions.
From signage to the way staff are trained to greet families, Pedro’s approach to culturally competent care is detailed, intentional, and deeply human. It's not about translation - it’s about building trust.
The Quiet Power of Human Connection
With more than 15 years in healthcare leadership, Pedro has led transformative initiatives including:
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Electronic health record implementations
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Centralizing patient access functions
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Expanding interpreter services and language visibility across systems
He’s also a published author, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and nationally recognized speaker on language equity and inclusive care.
But beyond the credentials, Pedro brings a deeply personal belief: every child deserves to feel seen and supported - no matter what language they speak.
💙 Why Race for Every Child Matters
As Pedro reminds us, providing excellent care doesn’t stop with medicine. It’s also about the experience families have along the way - how they’re greeted, how they’re understood, and how they’re treated with dignity.
Race for Every Child 2025 is more than an event. It’s a commitment—to health equity, access, and the belief that every child deserves a healthy start and a hopeful future.
🎧 Listen now, and join us in supporting this cause.
👉 Donate or learn more here: https://nclvm.com/6i0u8
You can watch/listen to this episode here:
🔴 Youtube: https://youtu.be/VzaUguREI08
🟢 Spotify: https://shorturl.at/pn1G4
⚫ Apple Podcast: https://shorturl.at/2sOYP
🔵 Amazon Music: https://shorturl.at/4oK2v
