FORT SMITH, Ark. – Dr. Wilson Cruz-Leal, a family medicine physician at Baptist Health La Clínica del Pueblo, recently received the Latino Trailblazer Award at the Arkansas Latino Awards Ceremony in Bentonville. The event, held on Oct. 10 at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, recognized Latino entrepreneurs and individuals for their dedication and tireless advocacy in uplifting and empowering the Latino community in Arkansas.
Dr. Cruz was honored for his unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access and health outcomes in the River Valley since beginning his medical practice. The Latino Trailblazer Award is given to individuals with 10 or more years of significant contributions to the Latino community, demonstrating exceptional leadership and advocacy in supporting and uplifting the community through health and education.
“Receiving this recognition is deeply humbling,” Dr. Cruz said. “It highlights not just years of service, but the importance of communication and cultural understanding in health care. Language barriers don’t just affect words—they can affect trust, comprehension, and even health outcomes. By fostering an environment where every patient feels understood, we can deliver care that truly meets their needs and honors their culture.”
While Baptist Health La Clínica del Pueblo is open to anyone, Dr. Cruz, and his staff are all able to speak both English and Spanish in hopes of eliminating the communication issues patients often have. Dr. Cruz has practiced medicine in the River Valley since 2012 and can treat patients of all ages for a wide variety of health concerns.
Baptist Health La Clínica del Pueblo is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Same-day appointments are available and walk-ins are welcome. For more information about the services that Dr. Cruz provides or to make an appointment, call (479) 573-7995 or visit Baptist-Health.com.
About Baptist Health
For more than a century, Baptist Health has delivered all our best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health, Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization, is here For You. For Life. – with more than 300 points of access that include 12 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 75 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; and a graduate residency program. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 12,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. Baptist Health is certified as a Great Place to Work and is honored by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Admired Workplaces 2026. For more information about Baptist Health, visit Baptist-Health.com, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app. Find us on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.