AdventHealth for Children doctor honored with prestigious award

ORLANDO, Fla. - Dr. Joseph Lopez, chief of pediatric head and neck surgery at AdventHealth for Children, was honored with the prestigious Professional of the Year Award at the 27th Annual Don Quijote Awards. The event, presented by Prospera and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, celebrates excellence, innovation and leadership in the Hispanic business and professional community.

Lopez’s groundbreaking contributions to pediatric head and neck surgery have transformed the lives of countless children and advanced the field on a global scale. He is the first dual fellowship-trained head and neck surgeon and pediatric craniofacial surgeon in the United States. At AdventHealth for Children, he leads Florida’s only clinic dedicated exclusively to pediatric head and neck tumors, treating thousands of children annually, many from Latino communities.

“When you are able to hold the hand of a child, the hand of a parent and explain to them that you can remove a cancer from their child and to re-create their appearance, it’s the most rewarding experience,” said Lopez during an interview with Florida National News.

In addition to his clinical expertise, Lopez has authored more than 150 medical publications and developed pioneering treatment protocols for pediatric facial trauma and head and neck malignancies. His work has set new standards in care and provided hope to families navigating complex medical conditions.

Presented annually, the Don Quijote Awards celebrate outstanding achievements and contributions by individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence and leadership within the Hispanic community. This year’s gala recognized winners across four categories, as well as Lifetime Achievement and Hispanic Community Champion honorees.