Dr. Irma Yolanda Castro was born to Mexican immigrant parents who instilled in her the importance of education and hard work. The family initially lived in Texas but eventually settled in South Central Los Angeles. There, Dr. Castro found a mentor and an inspiration in Dr. Harris J Stein, a local physician who gave a young Dr. Castro a job in his Watts clinic.  Dr. Stein’s special relationship with his patients, and his commitment to serve the community helped shape Dr. Castro’s future in medicine.

 

As an undergrad at UC Davis, Dr. Castro participated in then was hired to run UC Davis School of Medicine’s Clinica Tepati, a student run clinic in the barrio of Sacramento.   Four years later she transferred to UC Santa Barbara where she graduated with a BS in Biological Sciences. In 1989 she graduated from UCLA/Charles R. Drew School of Medicine and completed her internship and residency in Family Medicine at White Memorial Medical Center in East Los Angeles.

 

In 1992 she moved to Fresno with her two-year old son. She was hired by Sequoia Community Health Centers as medical director of their Selma clinic. Later, she worked with medical students and residents at the Ventura Huerta Health Center, now known as Clinica Sierra Vista. Dr. Castro also became associate clinical professor for the UCSF Department of Family and Community Medicine. Her passion for medicine and her entrepreneurial spirit led her to become a partner in Family Care Providers and to open her own medical practice – Bella Bod Inc.  It is Dr. Castro’s belief that medicine must not just focus on physical aspects, but on inner beauty, and emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

 

Health and wellness and the need for preventative programs mitigating major health issues like diabetes and obesity have become very important to Dr. Castro.   She is the director of the Center for Medical Weight Loss, a seven-week weight management program that focuses on obesity as an eating disorder. Additionally, her medical practice has an aesthetic component offering Botox and derma fillers.

 

Dr. Castro is committed to being a role model, and is dedicated to having an impact on healthcare access in our communities.  She encourages others to return to their communities to serve.  She is a member of the Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the UCSF Fresno Medical Education Careers Opportunity Program, where she has been a mentor for young high school and college students. Dr. Castro was also faculty/ clinical preceptor for the San Joaquin Valley College PA Program.  She is currently involved with St. Helen’s School Foundation and played an integral role in the saving of St. Helen’s School – the “Miracle on Belmont Street.”  Dr. Castro supports other organizations throughout Fresno, including Artes Americas, MAGA, Kiwanis Club, and Fresno Sunset Rotary Club.  She is happily married and has raised five amazing children and is enjoying her three grandchildren.

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As President and Founder of Adelante Mujer, Dr. Castro will continue her commitment to serve her community in the areas of health and wellness, education, leadership and business, and partner with other organizations who share a common vision to Ignite, Inspire, and Impact our community.