In recognition of 2024 Hispanic-Latinx-AfroLatinx American Heritage Month, we honor the remarkable life and legacy of the late Alfredo “Al” Lopez, PA, a trailblazer from the second graduating class of the MEDEX Northwest PA Program at the University of Washington. Born in Comfort, Texas in 1939, Lopez’s life was shaped by a deep sense of responsibility for helping others and a lifelong passion for improving health care for those in need.
After serving in the U.S. Army Special Forces during Vietnam and working as a Secret Service agent for President Lyndon B. Johnson’s daughters, Lopez found his true calling in health care. In 1970, he was one of only 25 students selected from a pool of 250 applicants to join MEDEX Seattle Class 2, blazing a path for future generations of Latinx medical professionals.
For more than 15 years, Lopez dedicated himself to providing health care to migrant workers and their families in Washington’s Yakima Valley, where he worked at the Farm Workers Clinic. This region, known for its agricultural richness, was home to a large migrant population facing barriers to health care due to language differences, financial constraints, and the seasonal nature of their work. Lopez worked tirelessly to bridge those gaps.
At the Farm Workers Clinic, Lopez offered medical screenings, diagnoses, and treatment plans, always ensuring his care was culturally sensitive and took into account the broader social and environmental factors affecting his patients’ well-being. He transitioned the clinic to a sliding-scale fee system, allowing low-income and seasonal workers to access high-quality health care regardless of their financial situation.
Beyond clinical care, Lopez assumed a leadership role, managing the clinic and advocating for better health outcomes for the migrant community. His deep understanding of the challenges faced by this population—coupled with his medical expertise and compassion—made a lasting difference in the Valley. Lopez helped shape a health care model that respected the dignity and humanity of every patient, setting a powerful example for equitable health care.
Lopez’s influence extended further when he joined the National Migrant Referral Project in Austin, Texas. This yearlong program was dedicated to training health care workers on how to improve care for migrant workers who endured substandard living conditions and faced high levels of infectious diseases. He played a key role in teaching health care providers to address these severe health disparities, empowering them to better serve these vulnerable communities.
After more than 20 years of serving at Kimble Hospital in Junction, Texas, Lopez retired in 2022. He passed away peacefully at his home on January 5, 2024.
Al Lopez’s life reflects a lifelong dedication to improving health care for marginalized communities. His contributions—especially in migrant health—continue to inspire, and MEDEX is proud to celebrate his enduring legacy during this Hispanic-Latinx-AfroLatinx American Heritage Month.