Maricela Caceres, MD

Program Manager for Cities for Better Health

Dr. Maricela Caceres serves as the Institute’s Program Manager for Cities for Better Health (CBH). In this role, she is dedicated to increasing healthcare access for all through health education, prevention, awareness, and addressing the barriers to health and wellness. She supports and facilitates the Cities for Better Health ecosystem. This global public partnership aims to promote health equity in cities, expand prevention efforts, and address barriers to health for vulnerable populations and children. Dr. Caceres works with CBH partners, including the Houston Health Department, Harris County Public Health, Harris County Precincts 2 and 4, Harris Health, the HOPE Clinic, Harris County Medical Society, Fort Bend County Health and Human Services, Aldine ISD, and many major faith communities such as the Windsor Village Church Family and the North Houston District of the AME Church. Dr. Caceres joined the Institute in September 2023. 

Dr. Caceres was a panelist during the 2023 State of Diabetes Breakfast presented by the Institute and the American Diabetes Association. She shared valuable insights into the multifaceted challenges faced by people living with diabetes and their caretakers in the greater Houston community. She outlined the significance of understanding the socio-economic factors contributing to diabetes and how to bridge the gaps in healthcare, alleviate food insecurities, and enhance diabetes self-care management.

Before joining the Institute, Dr. Caceres practiced as a general physician and surgeon in Colombia for several years. She then spent 17 years at Duke University Medical Center, where she practiced clinical research and public health. 

In 2019, Dr. Caceres moved to Houston to work on phase I clinical trials at MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Clinical and Translational Cancer Center. She shortly discovered her profound connection to the city. She began working with the Alzheimer’s Association for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention in association with the Kelsey Seybold Research Foundation and Baylor Medical Center.

Dr. Caceres earned a Doctor of Medicine degree in Colombia from Libre University as a physician and surgeon. Dr. Caceres holds a community health worker instructor certification from the Texas Department of State Health Services and a national yoga teacher certification. 

Dr. Caceres enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, and cooking gourmet food and desserts outside of work. Dr. Caceres plays the drums and is passionate about Brazilian rhythm music.