April 2025
Leading the Way: A Message from NHMA’s Executive Director
Exciting Times Ahead: Join Us at the 28th Annual NHMA Conference!
Dear NHMA Members,
As Executive Director of NHMA, I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you. Our much-anticipated 28th Annual NHMA Conference is just around the corner, and I couldn't be more excited about the incredible opportunities it holds for all of us.
Why You Should Attend
This year's conference, themed "Uniendo Voces: Advancing the Future of Latino Health," will take place from June 5-7, 2025 at the Anaheim Marriott in sunny Anaheim, CA. It's a unique chance for us to come together, raise our voices, and make a significant impact on the future of healthcare for our Hispanic communities.
What to Expect
The conference will feature a diverse array of accredited educational sessions focusing on the critical challenges impacting our nation's healthcare systems and the patients they serve. You'll have the opportunity to hear from esteemed colleagues, healthcare experts, and leaders from both the public and private sectors. Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, network with like-minded professionals, or simply enjoy some engaging activities, there's something for everyone.
Highlights of the Conference
- Educational Workshops: From seizure first aid certification to ultrasound workshops, our preconference sessions are designed to equip you with practical skills and knowledge.
- Networking Opportunities: Mix and mingle with others in the healthcare industry, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections. This year, we will be joined by Dr. Diana Ramos, MD, Surgeon General of the State of California.
- Entertainment: Join us for our Annual Awards Gala and other fun activities that promise to make your experience memorable. Soccer [futbol] legend Luis “El Matador” Hernandez, will be joining us for our Awards Gala and will be honored for his contributions to improving health outcomes for our communities.
Register Now
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of a transformative event. Registration closes on May 2, so be sure to secure your spot soon. Whether you're a physician, medical student, or healthcare professional, there's a place for you at our conference.
Looking Forward
I am genuinely excited about the future and the positive changes we can achieve together. We will be unveiling new NHMA structures, resources, and direction during this conference as well. This conference is not just an event; it's a movement towards better healthcare for our communities. Let's unite our voices and work together to create a brighter, healthier future.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication. I look forward to seeing you in Anaheim!
Warm regards,
Rafael Saenz
Executive Director
National Hispanic Medical Association
[email protected]
Be Heard, Be Inspired: NHMA 28th Annual Conference Awaits!
Be part of an inspiring gathering of healthcare leaders, policy makers and advocates at NHMA’s 28th Annual Conference, June 5-7, 2025, at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, California! This event will bring together voices from across the nation to drive meaningful change in Latino healthcare. Do not miss this opportunity to connect, learn and lead the conversation on health equity. Register now and be a part of the future! We look forward to seeing you in June for an impactful and engaging conference!
Leadership Spotlight
 NHMA Chairman-Elect Dr. Bert Johansson’s Op-Ed in Newsweek Español
Dr. Bert Johansson, NHMA chairman-elect, penned an op-ed in Newsweek Español on why immigrants need access to healthcare. He shares how fear of deportation prevents many immigrants from seeking medical care, worsening public health. His piece includes a powerful story of a 16-year-old migrant whose life was saved only due to the intervention of an immigration officer.
Read the full article here.
Member-Only Opportunities
Be Part of Our Monthly Virtual Townhall!
We’re excited to kick off our monthly virtual town hall discussions, where we’ll dive into the latest hot topics! And we want YOU — our members — to play a key role in shaping these conversations. If there’s a pressing issue that you’re passionate about or an area where you’re an expert, we’d love for you to speak and share your insights. Know a colleague who’s got valuable insights? Please feel free to share this opportunity with them! Keep in mind, they must be an NHMA member to participate.
To submit a topic, please fill out this form. For more details or to get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Director of Communications Fernanda Durand.
 Got Research? Publish with JNHMA!
The Journal of the National Hispanic Medical Association (JNHMA) provides a forum for students, physicians and other healthcare professionals to share unique research and important issues that affect the Hispanic/Latino communities. Submissions for JNHMA Volume 3 are now open! Please visit NHMA’s journal page for more information and manuscript submission guidelines.
For more information on how to get involved with our journal, email Fernanda Durand at [email protected], or visit our website here.
NHMA Chapter Focus
NHMA’s Pennsylvania Chapter, in partnership with Rep. Johanna Cepeda-Freytiz, will be hosting a health fair offering screenings and services to the community.
Interested in supporting? There is still time to sign up as a vendor or sponsor!
NHMA Staff Spotlight
Meet Vito Gearity!
 Vito serves as the associate director of programs and internships here at NHMA. He was born and raised in Toms River, New Jersey. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Health Science in May 2020. Vito started his career journey at NHMA as an intern in 2020, making him one of NHMA’s longest serving employees. Take a moment to learn more about Vito and the work he does at NHMA!
Vito Gearity, associate director of programs & internships
Interviewed by: Claudia Isabel Arroyo Diaz, membership and events intern
1. Could you share your journey to working in programs? How did you get here?
I started in NHMA as an intern in my last semester of undergrad in January of 2020 through The Washington Center. In June 2020, I was offered a full-time job and moved from NJ to DC. I have been here ever since.
2. What do you like most about working in programs at NHMA?
I like the idea of knowing that, through working on our initiatives, I am helping impact the Latino community and our members. Additionally, we have an amazing team that I have really enjoyed working with.
3. Is there something about your job that not many people know about, but should?
Since my position is more of a leadership role, a lot of the competencies required skew a lot more towards leadership skills rather than technical skills. With that being said, it has taught me a lot about emotional intelligence and self-awareness, which is critical for a leader to possess in order to foster the highest performing teams. From the start of a project towards the end, there is a lot of interaction and collaboration among the team that is vital to produce the final intended outcome.
4. What is an exciting project that you’re working on now?
The Town Halls! It is a new initiative that we are starting with the goal of providing value to our members by tracking current health policy issues. The goal is to provide expert NHMA members a platform to openly discuss the most relevant health policy issues that affect healthcare professionals and the Latino community. These sessions allow healthcare professionals to discuss their concerns and insights in a welcoming and interactive virtual space.
5. What role does the programs department play in the success of an organization?
The programs team ensures the accurate and timely completion of deliverables across all our organization’s initiatives regarding funders and partners. We also work closely with other departments to develop and create different resources for our members and the Latino community at large.
6. How has your own background tied into your work and inspired you?
I’ve always wanted to do something health related, and I knew that whatever I did in life was going to be something that actually benefited people and helped people. I think workingat NHMA combines my interests perfectly. In general, I always want to be the best at anything that I do.
7. Do you have any advice for folks just starting out in their careers?
Now more than ever, I think people are going to have to be flexible and adaptable to changing work environments and professional landscapes in general. Additionally, casting a wide net in terms of networking and having a broad professional network is key. Finally, be patient with what you want your future to look like. It may take years for you to end up in your dream work environment, so enjoy the journey and the learning lessons as you go.
Member Access
NHMA members can earn competitive rates on your entire account balance. Plus, no minimum balance to open, and no monthly maintenance fees.
Laurel Road offers NHMA student and resident members a range of banking solutions, including student loan consultations, student loan refinancing, and high yield savings accounts
NHMA Programs and Community Activities
From Application to Career: The Power of Preparation, Connections and Opportunity
Join us for an insightful discussion on medical school admissions, mentorship and career development in medicine and public health at our upcoming CHSP webinar on April 22 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT. Hear from Nathaniel Ropski (GW SMHS), Dr. Amanda Ramirez (UT Health San Antonio) and Jennifer Davila (GSBS Mentoring Initiatives) as they share expert advice on navigating the admissions process, building mentorship relationships and advancing in your medical career. This interactive session will include a Q&A portion, giving attendees the chance to engage directly with the speakers. Register now to secure your spot!
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/BLgy5rPbSkCo_4gmrXBQEw
Weigh-in on Obesity and Diabetes Prevention
Obesity is a critical risk factor for diabetes and cancer. Find out the latest in obesity prevention and management at UT Health San Antonio’s webinar, “Tipping the Scales Toward Health,” at 11 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, April 23. The webinar will feature experts from the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, the Metropolitan Health District of the City of San Antonio and Genentech who will explore the issue of obesity and chronic health conditions like diabetes and related cancers that are impacting South Texas. Panelists will discuss strategies for obesity management, diabetes management, addressing the non-medical drivers of health and sharing available resources for healthy lifestyles and the prevention of obesity, diabetes and related cancers. Register: https://bit.ly/scaleswebinar.
NHMA Government Affairs and Policy Updates
Call to Action for NHMA members and Latino Healthcare Professionals
The U.S. Congress is currently debating cuts to Medicaid and other social programs. In February 2025, the House of Representatives passed a budget resolution that proposes a $880 billion cut in spending over the next 10 years for programs under the jurisdiction of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Medicaid is expected to face the majority of these cuts.
Medicaid serves as a lifeline for 80 million low-income individuals in the United States, including disabled persons, older adults, family caregivers, care workers, children, pregnant women and families. These cuts not only threaten their health and well-being but also jeopardize our entire healthcare system, affecting communities, hospitals and providers.
Here is what you need to know to help you emphasize the importance of preventing these drastic cuts:
Cuts to Medicaid would have significant consequences for Latino beneficiaries and other underserved populations, including:
- Loss of coverage: About 31% of the Latino population in the United States is enrolled in Medicaid as of 2023. This is because many Latinos work in jobs that are underinsured or do not provide health insurance.
- Latino families account for approximately 35% of Medicaid births, highlighting the program's crucial role in maternal and child health within the community.
- Less healthcare access and coverage for preventive care such as vaccinations, prescriptions, health screenings and chronic disease management will lead to poorer health outcomes.
- Increased ER use due to lack of healthcare access and delays in diagnosis and treatment.
- The strain on safety net providers.
- Reducing the federal match for state Medicaid expansion.
- Children/pregnant women/seniors/and chronically ill and disabled persons will be impacted – less access to care will increase adverse health outcomes.
The time is now and the need is urgent.
Please reach out to your representative to STOP THE CUTS to Medicaid.
Find Your Representative | house.gov
NHMA Nuts & Bolts
Renewal Reminder
Stay Connected. Stay Informed. Don’t miss out on the benefits of being part of our community! Stay up to date on your membership to continue accessing exclusive resources, professional development opportunities and a network of peers committed to advancing Hispanic health.
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