UC Davis Health thoracic surgeon Luis Armando Godoy has overcome numerous adversities on his path to medicine. Originally from a small Mexican village, he started as a farmworker alongside his parents and eventually became an assistant professor at the UC Davis School of Medicine. His personal experiences, including becoming a father during high school, fueled his determination to address inequities and promote diversity in the medical field.
In recognition of his exceptional efforts in supporting students from underserved backgrounds, Godoy has been honored with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Herbert W. Nickens Faculty Fellowship. This award acknowledges his leadership in combating inequities in medical practice and education.
Inspiring journey from farmland to operating theater
Godoy's journey began in Tacátzcuaro, Michoacán, a rural village in central Mexico. At the age of 5, his family migrated to California. He worked alongside his parents in farms located in Suisun Valley, picking peaches and nectarines. Due to gang-related issues and bullying, he had to temporarily leave high school.
“Ashamed of being a farmworker, afraid of being bullied and teased, I fell into one of the most prevalent social scripts that affects my community. I foolishly joined a gang. They were respected and feared, they were accepting and welcoming, and made me feel like I belonged,” Godoy said about that time in his life.
He became a father while he was a senior in high school. His new responsibilities motivated him to work harder and finish school. Despite working three jobs — as a construction worker, cook and car mechanic — he managed to graduate from high school on time.
After high school he worked as a medical assistant. Because he was bilingual, one of his duties was to interpret for Spanish-speaking patients. By communicating with them in their native language, he was able to address their needs, concerns and fears.
He described his experience as a medical assistant: “It lit a fire within me to pursue a career in medicine. It showed me the importance of the doctor’s hands and heart in treating patients.”
Godoy decided to pursue his dream of becoming a physician. He enrolled at Solano Community College, then in 2006 transferred to UC Davis, where he completed his undergraduate education and a post-baccalaureate program.
In 2012, he was accepted into the UC Davis School of Medicine, where he also finished his residency in cardiothoracic surgery. As a medical student, he was recognized with multiple awards and honors. In 2013, the UC Davis School of Medicine inducted him into the Gold Humanism Honor Society for his excellence in clinical care, leadership and service to his community. He went on to receive the Outstanding Medical Student in Surgery Award and Dr. Gabriel Smilkstein Humanitarian Award. As a resident, Godoy was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society.
Godoy is now an assistant professor of thoracic surgery and the diversity and inclusion director in the Department of Surgery. He is also the assistant director of the cancer center’s IDEAL (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) Program, helping to diversify the oncology workforce.
“I knew from the first moment that I walked into the operating room that this is where I was meant to be. All my life’s experiences of working with my hands, repairing and restoring the broken had led me to that point,” Godoy said.
