2024–2025 NHLCC Scholar: Javier Jurado Velez

Javier Jurado Velez
MD
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Heersink School of Medicine

Javier Jurado Vélez was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he spent his early years before moving to Birmingham, Alabama. He is currently a medical student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Heersink School of Medicine, pursuing an MD/MSPH degree, driven by his aspiration to become a future physician-investigator. Javier graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelor of Arts in Medicine, Science, and the Humanities, where he developed an interdisciplinary mindset, integrating cultural and historical context in the pursuit of medicine. This was a catalyst for his newfound interest in research, where he was involved in a wide range of projects, from clinical research on orthopedist minimally invasive procedures to writing an ethnography and studying attitudes of medical students’ attitudes toward patients with a disability in Peru. His diverse experiences instilled in him a commitment to pursue research as an avenue for advocacy. His current research focuses on cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and health disparities. As a T32 Trainee under the UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science, he has partnered with the UAB Selma Family Medicine Clinic to identify social determinants of health among rural, underserved patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Beyond research, Javier is dedicated to serving his community and building his professional network. He volunteers as a Spanish interpreter at Equal Access Birmingham, a student-run clinic for uninsured patients, and has enhanced his medical training through the Comprehensive Urban Underserved and Rural Experience (CU2RE) to address health challenges faced by underserved patients. He also serves as a Voting Member of the AHA Hypertension Professional/Public Education & Publications Committee. Javier’s advocacy and research initiatives are rooted in his desire to improve healthcare access among underserved populations. In his free time, Javier enjoys spending time with his family and friends, exploring new recipes, and playing pickleball.