Get to know Dr. Cristian Echeverri, who cares for patients in the Bronx, New York.
New York City is undeniably one of the most challenging environments for healthcare professionals. The intensity of clinical practice, the complexity and diversity of the patient population, and the relentless pace of the healthcare system demand resilience, precision, and innovation. In this high-stakes setting, physicians routinely navigate underserved communities, limited resources, and mounting administrative pressures. Despite these challenges, NYC also offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, academic collaboration, and meaningful impact, making it a crucible for some of the most dedicated and skilled clinicians in the country.
Amid these dynamics, Dr. Cristian Echeverri, a Burn Surgery Fellow at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi in the Bronx, not only meets these challenges head-on but transforms them into fuel for innovation and advocacy, merging clinical excellence with a strong commitment to research and global health. His work exemplifies the grit and global perspective increasingly essential in modern medicine; his journey reflects the spirit of New York medicine: unrelenting, diverse, and purpose-driven.
Dr. Echeverri is currently enrolled in a competitive burn surgery fellowship. He previously completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) / Harvard Medical School in the Division of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery. Under the mentorship of the division director, he led projects on post-pandemic transformations in bariatric surgery, evaluating how surgeon decision-making, cost-efficiency, and procedural innovation can improve outcomes and support the sustainability of the U.S. healthcare system.
His medical journey began with humanitarian work through Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales (AIESEC) in São Paulo, Brazil, where he provided care to underserved populations and pediatric oncology patients. This early exposure to global health laid the foundation for his enduring commitment to equity, particularly among marginalized and diverse communities in New York City.
Dr. Echeverri’s research has helped shape national perspectives on surgical practice and policy. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and continues to bridge frontline clinical care with academic rigor and a global health vision. As he serves New York’s diverse patient populations, his contributions to surgical science and global advocacy position him as a leader in academic surgery.
Author
Rachel Mendelson is a New York-based journalist specializing in global health, medical innovation, and international development. With a background in public policy and health communication, she focuses on stories that explore the intersection of healthcare access, equity, and education across borders.