Raul Gutierrez, MD
Dr. Gutierrez is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF and holds numerous leadership roles that reflect his dedication to health equity and wellness. He is the co-founder and co-director of the BRIDGES Clinic for newcomer children, the Director of the Pediatric Leaders Advancing Health Equity (PLUS) residency program, and the Director of Children and Family Initiatives at the UCSF Latinx Center of Excellence (LCOE).
Dr. Gutierrez’s work centers on advocating for immigrant children and their families, focusing on initiatives such as school-based health interventions and partnerships with community organizations. Through his role at LCOE, he has strengthened collaborations with community-based organizations (CBOs) that serve marginalized populations in San Francisco, ensuring these communities receive the support they need.
Dr. Gutierrez leads impactful partnerships with SF Department of Children Youth and their Families and student programs such as Leadership, Advocacy, Community, and Engagement Summer (LACES), which provide the LCOE the ability to build sustainable partnerships, address the unique health needs of children and families, and close the health equity gaps in San Francisco. Together with our partners, the center is poised to create lasting change.
Partnership with the San Francisco Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families (SF DCYF)
In summer 2022, the LCOE partnered with the SF DCYF to support health programs for five community-based organizations serving children most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This collaboration yielded significant outcomes, including a comprehensive program evaluation for a CBO in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood, resource distribution at community events, and training to strengthen trauma-informed practices across organizations.
With a new DCYF award for 2024–2027, the LCOE will continue collaborating with a new cohort of CBOs, reinforcing its dedication to health equity and community well-being in San Francisco.
Leadership, Advocacy, Community, Engagement Summer (LACES) Program
Dr. Gutierrez leads the LACES Program, a student-to-CBO collaborative funded by the DCYF award. LACES offers UCSF medical and graduate students, as well as San Francisco State University (SFSU) undergraduates, hands-on training to advance community health.
Over the eight-week summer program, participants engage in workshops led by UCSF faculty and partner with community-based organizations. Through this collaboration, students develop leadership skills and gain practical experience in designing and implementing projects that promote youth health and wellness.
Children & Family Initiatives Contact Information
- Lupita Ambriz: [email protected]
- Mario Gonzalez: [email protected]