Dr. Lilia Reyes receives second annual Hispanic Professional Association’s Outstanding Achievement Award (Premio al Logro de la Asociación de Profesionales Hispanos)
Dr. Lilia Reyes is the 2025 recipient of the Hispanic Professional Association’s Outstanding Achievement Award (Premio al Logro de la Asociación de Profesionales Hispanos).
Reyes is a double-board-certified pediatric emergency medicine physician at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and an associate professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics at Penn State College of Medicine. Since joining the organization in 2014, she has made lasting contributions that benefit patients, employees and the community, according to Dr. Katherine (Kay) Leaming-Van Zandt, division chief of pediatric emergency medicine, who nominated Reyes for the award.
Leaming-Van Zandt describes Reyes as an exceptional clinician, mentor and advocate whose commitment to equitable care for children and families stands out. “She delivers compassionate, evidence-based care that consistently earns praise from families and colleagues alike,” Leaming-Van Zandt says.
One parent shared an example. “Dr. Reyes even sat with our daughter and read her a book while she was having her blood sugars tested. We felt so good about our entire experience from start to finish.”
Dr. Lilia Reyes, left, works with Daniah Moultrie, center, and Aaliyah Lucius from Towson University in the Clinical Simulation Center at Penn State College of Medicine during the Minorities in Medicine program in 2023.
Reyes was also part of a team that developed clinical pathways for pediatric fever, sickle cell vaso-occlusive crises and post-appendectomy abscess management and has improved the quality and consistency of care across the emergency department and inpatient units at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
As an educator and mentor, Reyes has mentored more than 50 medical students, 90 residents and numerous junior faculty members, fostering a respectful, high-trust learning environment. She leads pediatric emergency medicine rotations, provides individualized coaching for students facing academic or personal challenges and was recently named one of four faculty advisor society directors at Penn State College of Medicine. Known for her approachable, learner-centered teaching style, she encourages the next generation of clinicians to deliver care that is both technically excellent and culturally sensitive, Leaming-Van Zandt says.
Beyond the classroom, Reyes connects with Spanish-speaking families in central Pennsylvania through local outreach and health education livestreams, including a widely attended session on diabetic ketoacidosis. Internationally, she has provided pediatric care on medical missions to Colombia, Panama, Uganda, Thailand and Puerto Rico, serving children with limited access to health care and mentoring students in culturally responsive practices.
Reyes also serves on committees that span diversity, equity, inclusion, faculty development and student support. “She embodies the spirit of this award, improving health and opportunity for patients, uplifting the Hispanic community and inspiring peers and trainees, Leaming-Van Zandt says.
The Office of Health Advancement and Community Engagement at Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine supports Business Employee Resource Groups, including the Hispanic Professional Association, which established the Outstanding Achievement Award during Hispanic Heritage Month in 2024. The award recognizes Hispanic or Latino colleagues who provide significant contributions to the workplace that directly benefit employees, patients and the community served. Leaders of the Hispanic Professional Association reviewed the nominations and selected the award recipient.
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