Dear NNLAMS Friend,
I am pleased to announce that effective July 1, 2009 The National Network of Latin American Medical Students (NNLAMS) has changed its name to The Latino Medical Student Association: LMSA. The change represents the culmination of a move by each of our five regions to unify in our efforts and cooperation to reach our common goals.
NNLAMS has always been dedicated to changing the ‘Face of Medicine’ and the way health care is delivered in our country. Though the proportion of Latino physicians has doubled since 1980, there remains 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. 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).
Since our inception, NNLAMS has served to provide support and guidance to Latino medical students, develop pipelines to improve the representation of Latinos in Health Care and to reach out to our communities in service and support. NNLAMS began as a network between pre-existing organizations with similar goals but which were separated geographically. Through National Conferences, partnerships with SNMA, NHMA and AMA as well as the development of chapters in Medical Schools across the nation we have evolved into a unified Nationally recognized organization with national as well as regional aspirations and accomplishments. On July 1, 2009 we are excited to announce the transformation of NNLAMS into what will now be known as The Latino Medical Student Association: LMSA.
In the upcoming year we plan to further our unity and strength by holding an independent National Conference to be in March of 2010. Medical and Pre-Medical students from across the country will come together for inspiring speakers, focused networking events, clinical experience and residency application workshops as well as a Residency.
Please take this time to acknowledge the disparities that exist, the organizations and individuals who have set out to erase them and join in the cause!
For answers to frequently asked questions regarding the upcoming changes please read further.
Thank your for your time and support!
Julia Bregand-White UIC COM MD Candidate 2010 LMSA National Coordinator