Dr. Ramon Tallaj reflects on the family doctor, faith, and health equity
Dr. Ramon Tallaj reflects on the family doctor, faith, and health equity
GDF
Tue, 08/11/2026 - 10:40
Dr. Ramon Tallaj is chairman of the board and founder of SOMOS Community Care. “SOMOS,” which means “we are” in Spanish, is a physician-led network of 2,600 healthcare providers serving over 850,000 Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries in New York City’s immigrant communities. Tallaj reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of the family doctor, and how faith has played a large role in his life and work.
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Dr. Ramon Tallaj, chairman of the board and founder of SOMOS Community Care.
Photo: SOMOS
Was there a point in your life or a formative experience you had when you realized you wanted to become a doctor and help people in the way that you do?
Dr. Tallaj: My uncle was a pediatrician in the Dominican Republic, and I often helped him care for his young patients. He saw between 75 and 100 children each day. During the rainy season, the number of children suffering from infectious diseases, diarrhea, and dehydration increased significantly.
Working alongside him was my first…
