Dedicated Health Professional
by MARY CONRAD

Born in Cuba, Cristina Beato moved to New Mexico as a child, determined to make the most of her opportunities. After graduating from UNM School of Medicine and completing her residency there, Cristina served as medical director for the New Mexico Youth Diagnostic and Development Center and as an emergency room physician at the Veterans' Administration Hospital. At UNM, she then became associate dean for clinical affairs and medical director.

In 2003, President George W. Bush named her one of the top deputies in the US Department of Health and Human Services. She oversaw the US Public Health Service, which has jurisdiction over eight different federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control, Food and Drug Administration, Indian Health Service and the National Institutes of Health.

Most recently, Cristina served as deputy director of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization and as senior advisor on international nutrition policy and health literacy in the Food and Drug Administration. Today, Cristina works with Price Waterhouse Coopers on health-related research.

As the keynote speaker at the Student Recognition Reception on April 15, Cristina told students to remember those who have helped them succeed. "It's payback time!" she said, encouraging students to give back to their families, the university, and their community.