Dr. Richard Izquierdo – fondly known as “Doc,” was born on October 23, 1929, in East Harlem to Serafin and Sinda Izquierdo, one of New York City’s original “bodegueros.”

In 1954, he married Adelita and continued his education, graduating from the University of Lausanne Medical School in Switzerland in 1957. After returning to the Bronx, he completed his internship and residency at Fordham Hospital. In 1962, Doc opened his first practice on Southern Boulevard, just two blocks from his childhood home. His goal was more than just providing healthcare—he aimed to transform healthcare in low-income communities, and he succeeded.

In 1967, Borough President Herman Badillo appointed Doc as the first chairman of the newly formed Community Planning Board. That same year, Doc purchased an abandoned building on Southern Boulevard and Westchester Avenue, making a down payment of just $3,000, and established the San Juan Health Center. By 1974, the center evolved into Urban Health Plan, Inc., a federally qualified community health center licensed by New York State.

“Once I’m done with one project, the wheels are already turning for the next one. As long as I can, I will continue to do what I can for the community.”

Doc also hosted a radio program called “Puerto Rican Panorama” on NBC, where he interviewed over 150 prominent Puerto Ricans. He served for over 20 years on the board of the Association for the Help of Retarded Children, honoring the memory of his third child, Jackie, who was born with Down Syndrome.

On January 23, 2007, Doc was awarded the Surgeon General’s Medallion by the 17th Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Richard H. Carmona—a testament to his impact as both Carmona’s childhood doctor and lifelong mentor. In 2013, Doc received the Dr. Jack Geiger Award from the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS). In 2016, he was honored with the Maclovio Barraza Award for Leadership from UnidosUS, recognizing his dedication to uplifting the Hispanic community.

One of Doc’s lifelong dreams was to provide quality education to break the cycle of poverty for children in the South Bronx while ensuring access to quality healthcare. This dream came to life in September 2010 with the opening of the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School—the first charter school in New York City with a Career and Technical Education program designed specifically for preparing students for careers in healthcare.

Dr. Richard Izquierdo passed away in 2020 at the age of 90. His legacy endures through Urban Health Plan, one of the largest health center systems in New York State, and through his daughter, Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez, who now serves as the President and CEO.