Colombian-American Latina Pediatric Surgeon and Lecturer
Hispanic Woman of Distinction 2022, Monica Payares-Lizano, MD, FAAOS, FAAP, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
“The struggle and accomplishments of the Latinas before you paved the way. Now, open that door of opportunity, and take a seat at the table. It belongs to you! Vamos pa’ lante!”, Monica Payares-Lizano
Monica Payares-Lizano, M.D. FAAOS, FAAP knew from a young age growing up in Colombia that treating children who suffered fractures due to injury or disease was her calling. This need to help these most vulnerable patients was made even clearer when two of her younger brothers were diagnosed with a congenital hip disease.
As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, her clinical interests working with children include general orthopedics, cerebral palsy, neuromuscular disorders and musculoskeletal trauma.
A summa cum laude graduate with a B.A. degree in chemistry from Florida International University (FIU), Monica went on to receive her M.D. from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. There she also served her orthopedic surgery residency before pursuing a pediatric orthopedic fellowship at the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Delaware.
She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic surgeons, where she also serves on the Diversity Advisory Board. She is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee Chair for the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America and American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and Board member for the American Association of Latino Orthopaedic Surgeons. “
Monica is a co-founder of Fundación Juan Jose Payares Bustos, an organization she and her family created to honor her late father, which provides educational and vocational training to children and families in his hometown in Colombia as well as organizing mission trips to deliver medical care. Monica is also proud to work with Sharing for Kids, a Miami-based nonprofit focused on improving health and education for underserved children in Cartagena, Colombia.
Her research has been widely published in medical journals, she is a frequent lecturer, and she is also an assistant professor in orthopedic surgery at Nova Southeastern University/Broward General Hospital. Monica is a volunteer faculty member at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and a clinical assistant professor in orthopedic surgery at FIU to name just a few of her accomplishments.
In addition to receiving multiple scholarships, Monica also has been awarded the Social Justice Award and the Albert S. Kupperman Award for Field Work in Global Health both from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She also received a nomination for the Whitecloud Award at the 21st International Meeting on Advance Spine Techniques in Valencia, Spain.
Monica and her husband, Danny Lizano, a physician’s assistant, and their daughter, Emma Sofia, and son, Juan Hernando, enjoy spending their free time as a family as well as working out, dancing and returning to Cartagena, Colombia to vacation.
Related Content:
21st Anniversary of Hispanic Women of Distinction set for August 26, 2022
The annual celebration of Community, Culture and Charity honors Latinas in South Florida, past and present.
The 21st annual Hispanic Women of Distinction Charity luncheon to be held on Friday, August 26th, 2022, at Signature Grand in Davie, Florida is anticipating another sell-out of up to 1000 guests paying tribute to Latina professionals who are strengthening the social fabric of this country and making inroads in the leadership pipeline for a growingly diverse America.
Founded in 2001 by the late Erwin M.Vasquez, M.D., a Venezuelan-born cardiologist, philanthropist and publisher of the pioneer Spanish newspaper, El Heraldo de Broward, the goal was to help to empower Latinas and to recognize the influence they have in the South Florida community. These Latinas, both past and present, are not afraid to dream big, to carve their own paths, to be grateful for the opportunities they have received, and to pay it forward to those who will follow.
The 2022 Honorees are:
- ODALYS AREVALO – co-founder, Las Madrinas de Los Seguros, managing partner Sunshine Life & Health Advisors.
- ALEXANDRIA AYALA – School Board Member, Palm Beach County
- DUNIA CUNEO – Owner, Doral Human Resources Consulting
- SYLVIA DAUNERT, PhD, PharmD, MS – Lucille P. Markey Chair and Professor, Dept. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine
- JESSICA JOSEPH – Manager. Philanthropy/Public Relations, Catholic Hospice, Inc.
- NAELYS LUNA- Ph.D., MSW – Founding Dean & Professor, College of Social Work & Criminal Justice – Florida Atlantic University Work & Criminal Justice – Florida Atlantic University
- AYENZA A. MATTHEWS – Wellness Director, Heal the Planet
- MONICA PAYARES-LIZANO, M.D. – Pediatric, Orthopedic Surgeon, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
- SUSY DIAZ PIESCO – Exec.Director Middle School of the Arts Foundation, City Councilwoman Greenacres City
- KARINA de OLIVEIRA RODRIGUES – Assistant County Attorney, Broward County Attorneys Office
- VANESSA SELTZER – Director of Philanthropy, Arc Broward
- PATRICIA TREJO – Adm. Program Planner Hispanic/Latino Studies, Palm Beach County School District, FL-ALAS President
2022 LATINA PIONEER of the YEAR
ANA VEIGAMILTON – President, José Milton Foundation, Chair of Jackson Health Foundation, UM Trustee and President of the Citizens Board, lawyer and engineer, committed to impactful philanthropy and community engagement throughout South Florida. Family Values • Community-Wide
UP & COMER HONOREE
ARLETTE GOMEZ – Third year law student at NSU, Shepard Broad College of Law, Dean’s list with awards for outstanding service. Cuban born, this young woman is active on numerous community boards, and NSU’s President’s 64 Member, whose purpose is to strengthen the relationship with the community.
JOIN US on August 26th to honor these fantastic women! Tickets $95 per person, table sponsorship $1500. For more information email: hispanicwomenlunch@aol.com. www.hispanicwomenofdistinction.com
More related content
The 19th Annual Hispanic Women of Distinction Charity Luncheon
