Yaira Oquendo-Figueroa

Position: Vice President of Medical Services – BH Integration

What made you go into IBH?

“I grew up in a rural disadvantaged community with very limited resources. I understood when I was very young that access to care was one of the main causes of people not getting better, a huge barrier to health overall. When I decided to study psychology, it was very natural for me to think about this profession as part of other healthcare professions, but I did not know how to do it so I pursue trainings and experiences that led me to practice in medical settings since I started my graduate studies. It has been quite of a journey. My career trajectory has been very rewarding because I see how we, behavioral health professionals, make a tremendous impact on the healthcare system and the people we serve every day. Living a purposeful life is very important for me and IBH gives me that satisfaction, even more, when I have the opportunity to introduce others to IBH in trainings, supervision, or mentoring.”

A fun fact about Yaira:

“I love the beach! As a good islander, I can spend hours there. My vacation time is specially reserved to devote my time to the beach. Snorkeling, kayaking, or paddle boarding are the activities I do the most when I have the chance. The energy that the ocean gives is something else.”