Where do you call home?
I was born in Colombia, South America, but I call Chicago, Illinois home!
What are your clinical or research interests?
My clinical interests include trauma-informed care in Obstetric Anesthesia, shared decision-making with patients, patient safety, reproductive ethics, critical care and end-of-life care, and social determinants of health, particularly access to pregnancy care.
What current policy issue motivates you to be an advocate?
Before the fall of Roe, I was living in Texas and personally affected by SB8, the restrictive abortion law that creates a bounty against women seeking access to abortion care. Copycat laws across throughout the Southeast infuriate me and impassion me to support my obstetricians, patients, and politicians who support a patient’s right to reproductive health. Additionally, I am so proud of Illinois for passing the first ban against banning books. I am thrilled that the children and people of Illinois will have library access to all of the books and resources they need to support their lives and interests.
What local justice-centered organization do you wish we knew about?
Chicago Abortion Fund. We have had a massive influx in Chicago in the number of patients we are caring for who are traveling out of state to seek abortions. Supporting the Chicago Abortion Fund helps us take care of our patients coming from across the country!
What is bringing you joy these days?
Things that bring me joy these days are long hikes, spending time in nature, playing with my dogs, and spending time with my husband and family.
Our Meet Our Advocates series showcases the talents and passion of one of our doctors and finds out, in their own words, what inspires them to be physician advocates. Mariana Montes (MD, MPH) is one of our Leadership Training Academy Class of 2024 Fellows. Dr. Montes is an obstetric anesthesiologist in Illinois.