It is with heartfelt gratitude and bittersweet joy that Urban Health Plan celebrates the retirement of Dr. Acklema Mohammad, known to so many as “Dr. Moh.” As President and CEO, Paloma Hernandez, once shared, “To watch Dr. Moh is to watch my dad… an extraordinary individual who has dedicated herself to the well-being of our community, and whose contagious smile brightens the day of everyone she meets.”

Today, we reflect on the powerful impact one person can have on countless lives.

Dr. Moh’s journey is one of perseverance, purpose, and service. She immigrated from Guyana at just 16 years old, driven by a dream of working in healthcare. She began her career at San Juan Health Center in 1974 as a medical assistant, later leaving to pursue her medical degree at Universidad Central del Este in the Dominican Republic. After completing her residency at Harlem Hospital, she returned to Urban Health Plan in 1982 as a pediatrician in the South Bronx.

Over the decades, Dr. Moh became a leader in pediatric care, serving as Director of Pediatrics and later Chair of Pediatrics, while remaining a fierce advocate for the families she served. She brought national attention to the asthma crisis in the South Bronx, elevating community voices through platforms such as NBC Dateline and helping drive meaningful improvements in children’s health outcomes.

Her passion for improving chronic disease care, reducing emergency visits, and supporting families has been recognized across the city and the nation. 

Dr. Moh leaves behind a legacy of advocacy, innovation, compassion, and unwavering commitment to health equity. She has shaped generations of providers and inspired all of us to lead with heart and humanity.

As she begins this well-deserved next chapter, we send her off with immense love and gratitude.

Thank you, Dr. Moh. We love you. You will always be part of the Urban Health Plan family.