Patricia Garcia, MD, MPH, PhD; Cayetano Heredia University, Peru

Patricia J. Garcia, MD, MPH, PhD, is a Professor of Public Health at Cayetano Heredia University in Lima, Peru, and a former Minister of Health for the country. She is recognized as a global health leader, having been the first Peruvian professional elected to the United States National Academy of Medicine. Her career includes serving as the first woman to lead the Peruvian National Institute of Health and as the Dean of the School of Public Health and Administration at Cayetano Heredia University. 

As of 2025, Dr. Garcia remains a central figure in international health governance, chairing the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Disease Elimination and serving on the World Health Organization (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on In vitro Diagnostics. Her research focuses on reproductive health, sexually transmitted infections, medical informatics, and health systems strengthening. She holds affiliate professor appointments at the University of Washington and Tulane University, where she contributes to global research and training initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a key role in Peru by advising the government on technological innovations and pandemic responses.