A Visionary Doctor's Plan to Elevate Health Research in Latin America

In the complex landscape of global health, individuals like Kevin Martinez-Folgar, MD, PhD stand out for their dedicated efforts to bridge gaps and build capacities where they’re needed most. A postdoctoral Impact Scholar at the University of Michigan's Center for Global Health Equity, Martinez-Folgar’s mission is ambitious yet straightforward: bolster the skills and knowledge of health researchers in Latin America. 

The Path to Expertise 

In his final year of medical school, he worked as a primary care provider in rural parts of the country, which he describes as an “eye-opening” experience. This opportunity allowed him to witness firsthand “how the social determinants of health shape lives in underserved populations.” Martinez-Folgar emphasizes that this experience has been a driving motivation to push for changes that can transform health outcomes in Latin America. Fueled by a passion to understand the causes and distribution of diseases, particularly chronic diseases, he pursued a PhD in Epidemiology from the Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University after completing his medical degree. Further enhancing his expertise, he trained in measures of physical activity for population health at the National Institute of Public Health in Mexico. With proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), multilevel analysis, and chronic disease prevention, he embodies the spirit of a ‘lifelong learner.’ 

Focused Research and Its Ripple Effects 

As a physician and epidemiologist, Martinez-Folgar’s research encompasses several high-impact areas: mortality and life expectancy in Latin American cities, healthcare access disparities, and the health consequences of urban environments. Discussing his research, Martinez-Folgar notes, "Research enables us to prevent disease or the rapid progression of disease in an individual or society. It’s a powerful tool for preparedness against future health crises." He has published pioneering studies, including the first description of excess mortality in Guatemala and the first comparative analysis of this phenomenon across Latin American countries. His research around cities and health in Latin America has been featured in the documentary “Salud y Ciudad” as part of the Inter American Development Bank initiative. 

A Personal Commitment to Change 

Martinez-Folgar’s clinical training provided him firsthand insight into the significant limitations of healthcare access and the broader social determinants of health in underserved populations. "During my clinical training, I witnessed the stark disparities in healthcare access but also the need for good, quality research. These experiences ignited a passion in me to advocate for health equity through teaching, research and policy," Martinez-Folgar shares. 

Bridging Gaps and Building Capacity 

Latin America, despite its rapid urbanization and a history of robust community health programming, struggles with ‘brain drain’—losing skilled researchers to countries with more advanced research landscapes. Martinez-Folgar is addressing this issue head-on by developing human capacity in his home country of Guatemala and the wider region by leading a workshop in October 2024 for researchers in the region, through INCAP, the Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama. "It's essential to build local expertise and capacity," asserts Martinez-Folgar. "Our upcoming workshop in Guatemala aims to do just that, providing the necessary tools for public health researchers to help them to make the evidence they need to change policy and to have a lasting impact in their communities."