Dr. Jose Cucalon Calderon came to Reno nearly a decade ago to help train future pediatricians while caring for children and families across northern Nevada. Today, he serves as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at UNR Med and a general pediatrician and Director of Advocacy and Outreach for Renown Children's Hospital, where he focuses on patient care, medical education and community outreach.
Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Dr. Cucalon Calderon completed his medical training before living in Alabama and eventually making the move to Reno to join the Pediatric Residency Program as faculty. Inspired by his grandfather's dedication to serving others, he has always believed healthcare is an opportunity to apply scientific knowledge to improve people's lives and the health of the community.
"I chose pediatrics on the first day of my clerkship, after my classmates and I were able to help a sick child recover and get back to playing," he said. Dr. Cucalon Calderon’s journey started at Renown Children’s Primary Care - Moana. While he expected to focus on clinical care and teaching, his career quickly evolved alongside the needs of the community.
Advocating for Healthier Communities
"I didn't think there would be a need for advocacy and outreach as part of my career," he said. “But because of community needs, I started doing that work more and more, especially when there was an increased need for Spanish-speaking physicians who could talk to families in their language during COVID-19.” Today, in his role as Director of Advocacy and Outreach for Renown Children's Hospital, Dr. Cucalon Calderon has introduced healthcare legislation during Nevada's legislative sessions, has helped launch and lead a Nevada medical society and serves as a spokesperson for American Academy of Pediatrics and National Hispanic Medical Association Vaccine program.
As a native Spanish speaker, mentorship also played an important role in his growth. "Language was something I worked hard to strengthen," he said. “With feedback and strategies from Renown-based mentors, I was able to build those skills. Investing time in a mentorship relationship has been one of the most valuable parts of my career.”
"Aligning clinical work with the goal of 'A Healthy Nevada' allows for perspective," he said. “You're not only teaching theory, but also through compassionate and humane practice. It goes from one-to-one patient care to improving the health of your community.”
Training the Next Generation
"The physician leadership program I participated in with Renown was a good door for me to walk through," he said. “It modeled expectations and behaviors, as well as the desire for community impact as a priority.”
Teaching is also a central part of his work. Through the partnership between Renown Health and UNR Med, Dr. Cucalon Calderon trains residents and medical students in both general pediatrics and urgent care. He also helped found the medical school’s Spanish for Medical Encounters elective, mentors medical students, serves as faculty for the Social Justice Scholarly Concentration and advises the Latino Medical Student Association chapter at UNR Med.
Today, Dr. Cucalon Calderon is proud to help train the next generation of pediatricians through the partnership between Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Welcoming the Pediatric Residency Program's first full class of residents has been one of the highlights of his career. Outside of work, he's equally proud to be the father of two and to call Reno home for nearly a decade.
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