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 become 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.
YOU CAN MAKE
A DIFFERENCE
NNLAMS 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.
NNLAMS considers
this a priority. For over 20 years, our membership has
continued to grow: to date, roughly 70% of all matriculated
Latinos in medical schools across the country are affiliated
with NNLAMS. 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 to create and to continue long-lasting
partnerships with sponsors like you. We hope you will
partner in our efforts.
