| ২৫ সেপ্টেম্বর ২০২৬
Dr. Karl LaTortue: A Physician Who Places Humanity at the Heart of Medicine
Dr. Karl LaTortue: A Physician Who Places Humanity at the Heart of Medicine
By Md. Nasir,Bapsnews:Dr. Karl LaTortue, MD, owner of KEL Healthcare Medical Services PC, is known not only for his medical expertise but also for his compassion, humility and commitment to helping others.
Born in Haiti, Dr. LaTortue came to the United States at the age of seven. He grew up and completed much of his education in the United States before pursuing a career in medicine.
Dr. LaTortue attended the University of the Northeast in Mexico for medical school and later attended New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York, where he earned his medical degree. His educational journey helped lay the foundation for a career dedicated to patient care and healthcare leadership.
His ability to speak Haitian Creole, French, Spanish and English has helped him communicate effectively with patients from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Colleagues and patients describe him as friendly, professional and approachable.
For those who know him personally, Dr. LaTortue’s compassion extends far beyond the examination room. Despite his demanding schedule, he has consistently made time to listen to people and offer support during difficult circumstances.
I experienced his generosity firsthand during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I was struggling to make my mortgage payments. During that challenging period, Dr. LaTortue offered personal financial assistance and gave me a signed blank check, telling me to use whatever amount was necessary to make the payment. His kindness left a lasting impression on me, and it is an act I will never forget.
That experience demonstrated to me that Dr. LaTortue is more than a physician. He is also a trusted friend who is willing to stand beside people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Dr. LaTortue has held several important leadership positions in healthcare, including serving as a medical director at health centers in Midtown Manhattan and Queens. Although he is no longer affiliated with those facilities, his professional reputation and relationships within the medical community remain strong.
I first met Dr. LaTortue at a Midtown health center. Later, while visiting specialists at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, I was surprised to learn that two of the physicians were familiar with him. One had worked with Dr. LaTortue, while another knew him through his professional reputation. That experience gave me a deeper appreciation of his standing and leadership within the healthcare field.
In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. LaTortue has demonstrated strong organizational and administrative abilities. His experience leading medical facilities reflects his dedication to healthcare, as well as his ability to work effectively with patients, physicians and other medical professionals.
Dr. LaTortue also comes from a prominent Haitian family. His uncle, Gérard Latortue, served as Interim Prime Minister of Haiti from March 12, 2004, to June 9, 2006. His cousin, Youri Latortue, is a Haitian politician who served as president of the Haitian Senate from January 13, 2017, to January 9, 2018.
Among Dr. LaTortue’s greatest sources of pride is his family. His three children are pursuing medical education, continuing the family’s connection to the healthcare profession.
For patients, colleagues and friends, Dr. LaTortue represents much more than his professional title. He is a physician who cares deeply about people, a healthcare leader with extensive experience and a mentor who believes in supporting others.
Dr. Karl LaTortue’s life and career demonstrate that medicine is not only about treating illness. It is also about listening, showing compassion and standing with people when they need help most. To many who know him, he is not only a doctor, but also a friend, mentor and genuinely caring human being.
