Maricela Caceres, MD

Program Manager for Cities Changing Diabetes

Dr. Maricela Caceres serves as the Institute’s Program Manager for Cities Changing Diabetes (CCD). In this role, she is focused on minimizing the prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular conditions in underserved communities. Dr. Caceres is dedicated to increasing healthcare access for all through health education, prevention, awareness, and case management. She supports and facilitates the Cities Changing Diabetes ecosystem, a global public partnership that addresses the systemic issues behind the rise in obesity and diabetes. Dr. Caceres works with CCD partners including the Houston Health Department and the UTHealth School of Public Health. She joined the Institute in September 2023. 

Dr. Caceres served as 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 served a 17-year tenure at Duke University Medical Center practicing 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 and 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 as well as a national yoga teacher certification. 

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