Our History

Established in 1994 in Washington, DC, NHMA is a nonprofit association representing 50,000 licensed Hispanic physicians in the U.S. NHMA’s mission is to empower Hispanic physicians and other health care professionals to improve the health of Hispanic populations in partnership with Hispanic medical societies, resident and medical student organizations and public and private sector partners.

The Association established a Foundation, the National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF), to complement the work of the Association. Based in Washington, DC, its specific role is to develop educational activities and health policy research to improve the health of Hispanics. 

Foundation & Early Organizing

NHMA was developed as a result of a meeting of Presidents of Hispanic medical societies. During the meeting it was decided an organization was needed to fill a void in Washington, DC for a unified voice advocating for Hispanic/Latino physicians and Hispanic health.

This decision grew from organizing efforts dating back to the 1960s, when Hispanic medical students formed regional associations and local societies focused on social and charitable activities.

1982–1987: Dr. Elena Rios established the California Chicano/Latino Medical Student Association, the Supernetwork Program and later the National Latin American Medical Student Network.

1994: NHMA was officially established in Washington, DC.

1995–1996: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services supported five regional meetings with Hispanic health leaders nationwide.

1997: NHMA convened its First Annual National Conference.

1998: Dr. Elena Rios became President and CEO following a Cooperative Agreement with the HHS Office of Minority Health.

2000: NHMA opened its first office, expanded staff and launched multiple leadership, research and education programs.

Growth & National Impact

In 2005, NHMA completed a strategic review and expanded its Board of Directors to include nationally recognized leaders in the health sector and NHHF established its Corporate Advisory Council. A formal affiliation was signed with NYU-Wagner. In addition, NHMA created the National Hispanic Health Professional Leadership Network – consisting of presidents of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Hispanic Dental Association, Latino Caucus of APHA, National Forum of Latino Executives, Association of Hispanic Health Executives of NY, Mental Health Resource Center of NJ and other national Hispanic mental health groups to promote leadership and advocacy at the Federal level.

In 2006, NHMA contracted with a fundraiser to expand corporate sector financial support and an association development company to develop the strategy for infrastructure to support dramatic increases in membership. The first step in this strategy is the establishment of an association of State Medical Societies which NHMA has developed through its Obesity and Diabetes Education Project and new portal (HispanicHealth.info).

Between 2007 and 2012, NHMA led national leadership summits, health policy initiatives, immunization campaigns and advocacy efforts addressing health equity, workforce diversity and research inclusion.

NHMA also participated in major federal policy discussions, including Supreme Court amicus briefs and national health reform advocacy.