We were lucky to catch up with Sonia Tovar recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sonia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Being a successful female immigrant from Peru, as a Nurse Practitioner in the United States requires much more than medical knowledge. It takes a blend of personal resilience, professional excellence, adaptability, and strategic planning.
But just as important—perhaps more so—is staying true to who you are.
I believe that genuine passion for medicine, love for humanity, and a commitment to humility and compassion are what make a provider not only effective, but also deeply impactful. In a system that can feel overwhelming, competitive, and at times isolating, your character becomes your compass.
When I was accepted into the Family Nurse Practitioner program at Harbor-UCLA, I was told I was the youngest student in the cohort. Along with that recognition came a powerful message: “You will be the one who opens doors for the next generation of young nurse practitioners.”
That moment changed everything for me.
What I once saw as a personal achievement quickly turned into a responsibility—not just to succeed for myself, but to represent young, intelligent professionals with maturity, dedication, and purpose. I realized I was not only carrying the expectations of being a capable young provider, but also the hopes of my Hispanic community, who often go unseen in higher levels of healthcare leadership.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Sonia Y Tovar and I’m a proud Hispanic, independent, female entrepreneur who built a career in healthcare with grit, heart, and vision. I graduated with a Master’s degree as a Nurse Practitioner currently with five specialties, and by the age of 25, I had already opened my own medical practice. Now, after 25 years of successfully running my clinic, I continue to serve my community with the same passion and purpose that started it all.
I entered this field because I believe healthcare should be accessible, compassionate, and culturally attuned. Growing up, I didn’t see many healthcare leaders who looked like me or shared my background. I knew I wanted to change that—not just for myself, but for the generations to come.
Over the years, I’ve expanded my work beyond the clinic. For the past eight years, I’ve served as a medical missionary in Africa, providing care and support in underserved communities. I’ve also completed numerous volunteer projects throughout my city, always striving to meet people where they are and uplift those who need it most.
As a teacher, mentor, and preceptor for new nurse practitioner students, I am deeply committed to passing on the same ethics, work standards, and values that shaped my own journey. I believe in training the next generation of healthcare professionals to lead with excellence, empathy, and integrity.
What sets me apart is not only my clinical expertise but also my lived experience and unwavering dedication to community, service, and representation. I’m not just a provider—I’m a leader, mentor, and advocate.
What I’m most proud of is building something from the ground up as a young Hispanic woman in medicine—and proving that it’s possible. My work isn’t just a profession—it’s my purpose.
To my patients, followers, and future clients: My door is always open—to care, to listen, and to lead with heart.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What helped build my reputation wasn’t just my education or titles—it was my consistency, compassion, and commitment to serving others with integrity.
I built trust over time by showing up for my patients, my students, and my community—day after day, year after year. Whether it was treating someone in my clinic, volunteering in the community, serving on a medical mission in Africa, or mentoring a young nurse practitioner, I made sure people felt seen, heard, and valued.
I also believe that being authentic and humble, while still holding myself to the highest professional standards, allowed others to connect with me—not just as a provider, but as a human being. I never forgot where I came from, and I never lost the passion that got me started.
My reputation was built not only on clinical skill, but on the way I lead—with heart, purpose, and a deep respect for every person I encounter.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for me has always been word of mouth—and I consider that the highest compliment a provider can receive.
When someone takes the time to personally recommend me to their family, friends, or coworkers, it tells me that they trust not only my medical expertise but also the care, respect, and compassion I offer every patient. That kind of trust can’t be bought through advertising—it’s earned over time through consistency, integrity, and results.
Word of mouth has helped me build a strong, loyal patient base because it comes from real experiences. Patients share their stories—how they felt listened to, how I explained things clearly, or how I followed up with them even after the visit. Those personal experiences become living testimonials, and they carry more weight than any billboard or marketing campaign ever could.
What makes word-of-mouth referrals even more meaningful is that they often come from diverse communities who feel seen, understood, and respected in my clinic. As a Hispanic female provider, I understand the importance of cultural connection, language, and trust. I’ve worked hard to create a safe and welcoming space, and my patients share that with others—because they want their loved ones to receive the same care.
So while I’ve used other outreach methods over the years, word of mouth remains the heart of my growth—and it’s a reminder that when you treat people with kindness, professionalism, and excellence, they will remember it, and they will tell others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Clinicsaludfamilia.com
- Instagram: @healthclinicsaludfamilia
- Facebook: Sonia Tovar
- Yelp: Clinica Salud & Familia
- Other: Tik tok hcsaludfamilia
Image Credits
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