About

Established in 1994 in Washington, D.C., the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) is a non-profit association representing the interests of 50,000 licensed Hispanic physicians in the United States. 

The vision of the organization is to be the national leader in improving the health of Hispanic populations. 

The mission of the organization is to empower Hispanic physicians to lead efforts to improve the health of Hispanic and other underserved populations in collaboration with Hispanic state medical societies, residents, medical students, and other public and private sector partners. 

NHMA provides a great learning network for :

Physicians and other health professionals — see Programs, Resources, and Events.

Health professional students — see Membership and Events to meet physicians and medical students

PreHealth professional students — see NHMA's College Health Scholars Program 

Policymakers on Latino Health policies — see Government Affairs

 

COVID-19 "Vaccinate4All" Campaign

A.  HEALTH COMMUNICATIONS ACTIVITIES (February 15, 2021 - February 14, 2026)

Given the Covid-19 disease from the novel Coronavirus pandemic, NHMA has established a “Call to Action” for its members and partners, the National Hispanic Health Professionals Leadership Network, to participate in "Vaccinate4All" Campaign supported by the CDC and Johnson & Johnson.

NHMA COVID-19 monthly webinars and a resource hub at HIspanicHealth.info will be supported. NHMA will also develop key articles and messaging through our website, newsletter, and social media and media. NHMA will partner with Hispanic medical societies, NHMA Chapters, and the National Hispanic Health Professionals Leadership Network to build the campaign through organizational training at our Annual Conference and regional meetings.

We are building a media team who will be provided media training and placements to local TV, radio, and newspaper opportunities to educate our communities on how to stay safe, what to do if sick, accessing therapy, and getting the vaccine for our families. Media Reps: contact [email protected] for requests for interviewees from our healthcare professionals across the nation in English or Spanish.

B. NHMA LEADERSHIP FELLOWSHIP CLASS of 2021

NHMA is proud to announce the NHMA Leadership Fellowship starting August 2021, a six-month executive leadership program with an emphasis in public health for 20 mid-career physicians (at least five years post training). The purpose is to build leadership skills with key stakeholders and increase knowledge about federal and state healthcare policies, culturally competent patient-centered approaches, and other innovations for quality healthcare given the COVID-19 pandemic. Lectures and discussions will be virtual three-hour sessions every Friday from August 2021 to October 2021. A five-day retreat in D.C. is required the first week of February (pending the legislative calendar) as part of the Leadership Fellowship program. In addition, Fellows will be assigned to policy teams and an Advisory Committee will be coordinated into a unique network. The faculty will include Jo Ivey Boufford, MD, Professor, NYU School of Global Public Health and President, International Society of Urban Health, key Latino physician leaders, and others. The Fellows will join an alumni network that includes leaders from federal, state, and local public health agencies as well as leaders in academia and the private sector.

Criteria for selection include documentation of leadership, commitment to improving health of Hispanics, and a strong career interest in leadership advancement to impact public health.

Please send a personal statement, CV, letter of recommendation to [email protected].

As a rapidly growing national resource based in the nation’s capital, NHMA:

  • Serves as a resource to the White House, Congress, and the federal government
  • Develops leadership for public health and private sector Boards and C Suite Positions
  • Provides networking opportunities with stakeholders who impact Hispanic health

Being a Resource

NHMA provides policymakers, healthcare providers, and our partners with expert information and support in strengthening health service delivery to Hispanic communities across the nation. The NHMA works closely with the White House, federal agencies, Congress, the private sector, and foundations as well as national Hispanic organizations. NHMA also works closely with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), the Congressional Hispanic Conference Institute (CHLI), and other Congressional offices on healthcare policy development that impacts our communities, medical education, health reform and research. In addition, NHMA partners with corporations, academia, foundations, media, and coalitions who also advocate on healthcare delivery, medical education and health workforce leadership and diversity, prevention and public health, and health policy and community-based research for our communities.

Leadership Development

NHMA coordinates leadership programs to develop future leaders that we actively nominate to positions, boards and commissions within the federal government and corporate sector. We have trained 150 Fellows and 200 Resident Leaders. HHS has been the principal sponsor of these programs. In 2013, we started the NHMA California Leadership Fellowship supported by the California Wellness Foundation to develop physician leaders in California. NHMA shares leadership opportunities with its professional members on Fridays to public and private sector organizations. Send announcements to Elena Rios, MD at [email protected].

Networking

In 1997, NHMA began convening its Annual Hispanic Health Conference in March each year in Washington, D.C. to build its network of physicians, residents, medical students, premedical students, and other providers. Our agenda includes expanding access to quality culturally competent healthcare, increasing opportunities for clinicians in private practice and academic medicine, and health research for Latinos. Another major focus is healthcare policies focused on the ACA and eliminating health disparities faced by Latinos.

NHMA sponsors Hispanic Health Congressional Briefings and 18 NHMA Chapter Policy Forums each year with health experts to educate Congressional staff, national and local stakeholders on policies and programs that can improve the health of our communities.

NHMA provides a monthly e-newsletter to our 25,000 members and meeting/programs participants  with Member Highlights. Send in your picture and accomplishment to share by first Friday of the month to Vincent Gearity at [email protected].

Call for Partnerships

The NHMA Board of Directors is very interested in new partnerships that can enhance our efforts targeted to Hispanic populations, programs, and policies that will improve the health of all Americans. Contact us today. Working with our National Hispanic Health Foundation, we have built an interdisciplinary list of partners interested in educational activities.

Please call Dr. Elena Rios, President & CEO, today to discuss your interest in collaborating with NHMA today.

Phone: 202-628-5895