As National Hispanic Heritage Month begins, celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15, we take this opportunity to recognize the remarkable contributions of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
September 15, 2024 – Among those making a significant impact in South Florida and beyond during Hispanic Heritage Month is Pedro Martinez-Clark, MD, FACC. Dr. Martinez-Clark is a highly esteemed Harvard-trained physician, one of the nation’s leading cardiologists and leader of the Miami Initiative to Stop Amputations (MISA). In 2017, Dr. Martinez-Clark established Amavita Heart & Vascular Health™ in Miami, an advanced medical practice that focuses on providing comprehensive cardiovascular care. The Amavita Foundation, a nonprofit arm of Amavita recently launched (MISA) with a mission to tackle the rising rates of amputations due to peripheral artery disease (PAD). Dr. Martinez-Clark is passionate in his focus on the treatment of PAD, also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD). PAD is a condition that occurs when arteries outside the brain and heart narrow, reducing blood flow to the extremities.
September is also Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month. The month focuses on a chronic condition that causes blockages in the leg arteries with more than 20 million suffering from the disease in the U.S. alone, and an estimated 200,000 of them suffering avoidable amputations. Symptoms of PAD include leg pain, muscle atrophy, leg hair loss, smooth, shiny skin, decreased pulses in feet, skin that is cool to the touch, and sores/ulcers in the legs/feet that don’t heal.
“Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a leading and preventable cause of death in the United States,” said Dr. Martinez-Clark.
With its mission, MISA aims to tackle PAD by educating and empowering both patients and healthcare providers through dedicated community outreach and healthcare advocacy. The Amavita Foundation, through MISA, has a goal of reducing non-traumatic lower extremity amputations in Miami-Dade County by 20 percent over the coming decade, starting with identifying PAD in its early stages.
Amavita specializes in conducting ambulatory procedures and outpatient laboratory services, utilizing the latest technology to offer minimally invasive treatments. The practice addresses various cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, peripheral vascular disease, and chronic venous insufficiency. Beyond patient care, Amavita is also actively involved in research, contributing to advancements in cardiovascular medicine.
Dr. Pedro Martinez-Clark’s journey in medicine began with rigorous training at Case Western Reserve University, followed by advanced training at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School. He is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular medicine, and interventional cardiology, a testament to his extensive expertise in the field. His dedication and skill have earned him a reputation not only in Miami but also on a global scale, where he is recognized as one of the top cardiologists in the region.
Dr. Martinez-Clark, Founder and Medical Director of Amavita Heart & Vascular™, was honored in 2023 with the Apogee Award for Excellence in Healthcare by South Florida Business & Wealth. The award recognizes distinguished C-Suite leaders across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties for their leadership and service to their industries and communities. Dr. Martinez Clark accepted the award at a ceremony held in November at LoanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins.
“This award is a testament to our team’s dedication, and I’m proud to work alongside such hard-working individuals.”
National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage and numerous contributions of Hispanic Americans. Dr. Martinez-Clark exemplifies these values through his dedication to improving cardiovascular health and his unwavering commitment to patient care. His work at Amavita Heart and Vascular Health continues to make a positive difference in the lives of countless individuals, reflecting the spirit of innovation and compassion that defines Hispanic heritage.
Hispanic Heritage Month, take proactive steps toward your cardiovascular health and celebrate the contributions of those who strive to make a difference every day.
To learn more about Dr. Pedro Martinez-Clark and Amavita Heart & Vascular Health™, or to schedule an appointment, please visit Amavita.Health or call (305) 249-5666.
About Dr. Pedro Martinez-Clark and Amavita Heart & Vascular Health TM
Amavita Heart & Vascular Health TM is a comprehensive cardiovascular practice founded in 2017 by Dr. Pedro Martinez-Clark, an interventional cardiologist with ample experience in heart disease, and peripheral vascular interventions. Although Amavita Heart & Vascular Health TM is affiliated with the Jackson Memorial Hospital System and Mercy Hospital in Miami-Dade County, Amavita manages its work independently.