Faculty

Dr. Lucy De La Cruz’s life journey is an intricate tapestry, woven with threads of diverse cultural experiences, dedication to surgical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and leadership in her field.Born in Cuba and raised in Africa before making Miami, Florida her home, Dr. De La Cruz’s multicultural upbringing ignited a profound passion for embracing and celebrating different cultures and perspectives.
Her journey towards becoming a renowned surgeon and advocate for diversity started at the Universidad Central Del Este in the Dominican Republic. Here, she played a pivotal role in co-founding the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), which became a catalyst for positive change. Under her guidance, AMSA initiated academic scholarships, established a library offering vital medical resources, and ensured local students had access to essential educational tools.
Dr. De La Cruz’s quest for leadership opportunities continued as she pursued her internship and residency at the University of Miami. Within the American College of Surgeons Florida Chapter, she quickly emerged as a prominent figure, serving as secretary and later chair of their resident committee. Her dedication to mentoring and teaching medical students earned her a distinguished place in the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.However, her true impact on the field would be felt through her groundbreaking research on Nipple Sparing Mastectomy oncologic outcomes during her residency. Her work garnered international acclaim, winning a scientific impact award at the American Society of Breast Surgeons National meeting and continuing to shape surgical practices worldwide.As her career progressed, Dr. De La Cruz seamlessly merged academia and clinical practice. Her roles as associate program director at the University of Pennsylvania and program director of the Breast Fellowship at INOVA Schar Cancer Institute underscored her commitment to surgical education and mentorship. She was promoted to the position of Associate Professor in Surgery at the University of Georgetown School of Medicine. This recognition speaks volumes about her expertise and dedication to surgical education.Dr.De La Cruz also extends her influence through her role as a sought-after guest speaker at national leadership conferences. She shares her invaluable insights on promotion, diversity, and overcoming barriers, particularly focusing on the experiences of minority women in surgery leadership positions. Her speaking engagements have become a source of inspiration and empowerment for countless individuals in the medical community.
Dr. De La Cruz assumed the role of Chief of Breast Surgery and director of the Betty Lou Ourisman Breast Health Center at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (MGUH). Simultaneously, she became the director of the hospital’s breast surgery fellowship program. In doing so, she became the youngest Latina woman to hold such a prestigious position in an academic center in the United States, marking a new pinnacle in her illustrious career. In Dr. Lucy De La Cruz’s remarkable story, we find not just a distinguished surgeon but a beacon of hope for aspiring surgeons and advocates of diversity everywhere. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of dedication, leadership, and the pursuit of excellence in surgery and beyond.