Wendy Silva, MD

Wendy Silva, MD grew up in West Los Angeles, which gave her the chance to be part of a diverse community from an early age. “I was often the translator for my family members at their doctor’s appointments,” she says. “Many of them struggled with chronic diseases and cancer, conditions that might have been prevented if there had been more trust in the health care system or doctors who could understand and communicate with them. Those experiences shaped me and are a big part of why I chose medicine. I wanted a career where I could combine science with service and really make a difference in people’s lives. Family medicine felt right for me because it allows me to care for people at every stage of life and build long-term relationships that go beyond just treating illness. My biggest influences have been my family’s own experiences with healthcare and the mentors who showed me what it means to practice with compassion, equity, and humanity. As a Mexican woman and daughter of immigrants, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate a system that doesn’t always feel accessible or welcoming, so it’s important to me that these patients feel understood, represented, and cared for in a way that honors their culture and experiences. ”

Dr. Silva says that what gives her the most professional satisfaction is empowering patients to understand their health and take an active role in their decisions. “I love building strong relationships over time, where patients often feel like family. I also have a special interest in reproductive and gender-affirming care, and it’s incredibly meaningful to me when patients are able to access the care they need and feel supported in the process.”

“The most important thing for my patients to know is that I will always listen and meet them where they are. I want them to feel comfortable, respected, and empowered to be part of their care, and I value building long-term, trusting relationships. I am also very passionate about serving immigrant and Spanish-speaking communities.”

- Dr. Silva

Outside of medicine, Dr. Silva enjoys spending time with my family and friends. “It keeps me grounded and brings me a lot of joy,” she states. “Music is a big part of my life, especially going to live concerts and experiencing that energy. I also enjoy traveling and exploring new places and cultures whenever I can. At home, I like quieter hobbies such as doing puzzles, playing board games, and getting lost in a good book. Altogether, these things give me balance and help me recharge.”