Our Mission & History

LMSA Mission

1. To unify all Latino medical students into one organization
2. To provide a voice for underrepresented medical students
3. To actively promote recruitment and retention of Latino students at all levels
4. To educate medical students on Latino health issues
5. To advocate for the rights of Latinos in health care
6. To provide leadership opportunities for Latinos
7. To promote volunteerism in the Latino community

Historical Summary

The network was created through collaboration between regional Latino medical student groups and the need for a central national core for unified targeted efforts. Finally, in 1987, the union formalized into the concept of NNLAMS. As the regions became more developed, the complexity of the network demanded further sophistication. Thus, national officer and board member positions were created.

The national officers are responsible for the operation and direction of NNLAMS. They provide the arena for the regional board members to make decisions and promote the vision of unified efforts among Latino medical students nationwide.

In 2000 the Garcia Leadership Development Workshop was designed to cultivate and develop the leadership, organizational, and advocacy skills of recognized Latino medical student leaders from across the United States. This seminar formally addresses the lack of leadership diversity in the health care workforce by investing early in the career of Latino physician leaders. After several name changes came about what is known today as the Garcia Leadership Advocacy Seminar (G.L.A.S.). More Info »

In 2003, all five regional organizations were incorporated under one national name and subsequently received 501(c)(3) status establishing a unified, non-profit, tax exempt organization. The midwest, southeast, and southwest organizations changed their names to NNLAMS while NBLHO (northeast) and LMSA (West) maintained their names.

In 2004, NNLAMS, Inc. established an NNLAMS Alumni Board of Trustees with long-term tenure, composed of physician alumni who have been involved with NNLAMS for over ten years. With this infrastructure, we can ensure the stability, continuity, permanence and long-term vision of NNLAMS.

2006 was a landmark year for NNLAMS as the organization held its first national conference in conjunction with the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA). Thanks to the efforts of the national officers, board members, executive advisory counsel and support from Dr. Elena Rios (President & CEO of NHMA) the national conference was possible. The event brought in students from all over the country and set a venue to reflect upon the years work, network with other students and health professionals, and set the pace for the future operations and vision of NNLAMS.

In an effort to unify all the Latino medical students from different regions under the same title, the name of the national organization was officially changed to LMSA in 2010 at the first independent LMSA national conference held in Chicago at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Henceforth the five region will be referred to as LMSA Northeast, LMSA Midwest, LMSA Southeast, LMSA Southwest, and LMSA West.

LMSA is dedicated to changing the ‘Face of Medicine’ and the way health care is delivered in our country. According to the 2004 US Census, 14.2% of the U.S. population, but only 6.4% of all medical graduates are Latino (AAMC Minorities in Medical Education, 2005 Facts & Figures). Though the proportion of Latino physicians has doubled since 1980, there is nonetheless an average ratio of 3,000 Latino patients to one Latino physician compared to the ratio of 335 non-Latino patients to one non-Latino physician.

LMSA considers this a priority. For over 20 years, our membership has continued to grow. However, there is much work to be done. As we review the projected census data for 2050, we find that building a strong foundation in medical training programs is paramount, as 25% of the U.S. population will be Latino. We hope you will partner in our efforts.