About

The Latino Medical Student Association 

LMSA is a student-led organization that is composed of medical students and health professionals, and it is focused on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare and medical education.

LMSA provides a supportive community for Latine medical students, offers resources and mentorship, promotes leadership development, and advocates for policies that improve healthcare access and outcomes for Latine populations. The organization also engages in outreach and education initiatives to promote health equity and cultural competency among healthcare providers serving Latine communities.

 

Nuestra Historia

The LMSA chapter at Dartmouth was started in 2015 by Adrianna Stanley '18 and Fernando Vazquez '18. They immediately got to work hosting weekly Cafe Español and proceeded to bring the LMSA Regional Conference to the upper valley in 2016. The chapter showcased rural medicine and gave a spotlight to migrant farm workers (Project Salud).

The momentum continued with Stanley and Vazquez being elected co-directors of LMSA's Northeast Region and Geisel receiving the Regional Chapter of the Year Award. More Geisel students became active on the Regional E-Board in 2017, 2019, and 2020. COVID-19 impacted many student groups, but our chapter continues to prosper.

In 2022 former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Antonia Novello delivered a keynote as part of our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. The events during the month included Salsa Y Salsa, Brazilian Pastel Cooking, Financial Empowerment, a cookout with the local Latine community, and a screening of In The Heights. Our members are dedicated to our cause, and it is reflected in their work: our 2022-2023 co-president Maria Cristina Gil Diaz '25 developed the first Geisel pathway—Medical Spanish. During the 2023 LMSA Regional Conference, Isadora Guarino ’24 was recognized for outstanding work in research, and Paula Sofia Lara Mejia ’25 for a community health project to improve the mental health of migrant farm workers in the region. Lara Mejia is also responsible for the inception of the annual Geisel BIPOC Banquet.

After meeting with Dr. Stanley, Eli Hernandez Quiroz '26 and Daniela Molina Palacios '30 were deeply inspired by the founding message of "Fortaleciendo Raices." Motivated by this ethos, they spearheaded the revival of Cafecito, a monthly gathering aimed at fostering unity among medical professionals at DHMC. With invaluable support from the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement, Annette Achilles, and the Office of Alumni Engagement, our chapter successfully hosted the inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month Gala at Dartmouth. Among the highlights of the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month were various programs, including a Learning Event focused on educating about Migrant Health.

As we stride into 2024, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of new faces and remain committed to furthering the legacy of our chapter.