When you speak with Dr. Tamara Lopez Diaz, you immediately feel it: her presence, her compassion, and the depth of purpose she carries into every moment of care. Her story is one of perseverance, faith, and an unwavering belief in the power of Full Life Care.
Dr. Lopez Díaz shares her journey in her own words, offering wisdom and inspiration for all of us across Empath Health.
From childhood, Dr. Lopez Díaz knew she was meant to serve.
"I felt called to heal, especially in the most difficult moments." Her early years in medical school helped her see the weight (and privilege) of walking with people through suffering. Over time, she realized her calling went deeper than diagnosis and treatment. It centered on dignity, comfort, and meaning.
That calling led her to hospice.
"Hospice allows me to care not only for the physical needs, but for dignity and emotional and spiritual comfort at the end of life."
When asked how she came to Empath Health, she smiled softly and said, "Are you ready? It's a little long."
And it's a story worth hearing.
At just 24, she left her home country after completing four years of medical school. She arrived in the United States as a single mother with a six‑month‑old son. She eventually completed her medical degree in the Dominican Republic, then returned to the U.S. to begin the long road toward medical licensure.
For years, she worked wherever she could: factories, restaurants, coffee shops, housekeeping, even cleaning medical offices—while studying for the U.S. board exams.
It took eleven years.
"There were moments I said, 'I can't.' But the next day I woke up and said, 'Yes, I can. I believe in myself.'"
In 2017, she began practicing family medicine. By 2019, she transitioned into hospice. In 2024, she closed her primary care practice to devote herself entirely to hospice care.
For Dr. Lopez Díaz, Full Life Care means tending to every part of a person: the physical, emotional, spiritual, psychological, and honoring their history, their values, and their goals.
"Medicine is an art. You need time to listen."
She shared that hospice gives her that time. Unlike the pace of primary care, hospice allows her to sit, listen, and truly understand what matters most to patients and their families.
Over her years in hospice, she has supported countless families. One memory that remains close to her heart is from a child, just 19 months old.
Supporting the family through that experience was profoundly difficult, yet deeply meaningful.
"When they came to me and said, 'Thank you for being here for our boy,' I remembered why this work is sacred."
The emotional toll of hospice is real. But when asked how she restores herself, her answer was grounded and full of gratitude.
Her faith.
Her passion.
Her love for her patients.
And the support of her colleagues.
"We have great support here. And that helps me return each day with peace and with a smile."
Many people assume hospice means doing nothing. She gently corrects that misconception often.
"Hospice is highly skilled medicine. We actively manage complex symptoms, chronic conditions, and the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and families."
She emphasizes that hospice physicians build deep, compassionate relationships while partnering with nurses, social workers, chaplains, and caregivers. Together, they form what she calls: "A circle of support around the patient."
When asked what she would tell a colleague who dreams of advancing their education or entering healthcare but feels discouraged, she didn't hesitate.
"Believe in yourself. No matter how long it takes or how hard it becomes, don't give up. With determination, sacrifice, and faith, you can do it."
Her story is living proof.
As we honor National Doctors' Day, we celebrate Dr. Lopez Díaz and all our physicians across Empath who bring heart, expertise, and humanity to Full Life Care every day.
Your dedication changes lives.
Your compassion brings peace.
And your presence provides comfort when it's needed most.