Penn State College of Medicine hosted the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) Northeast Fall House of Delegates, an event aimed at developing leadership skills and promoting health equity among medical students. More than 100 participants from 48 medical schools attended the meeting, which was organized by second-year students Dahlia Luz Chacon, Veronica Huizar Cabral, and Lizbeth De la Rosa Abreu.
Chacon highlighted the importance of the event for their chapter, stating, “For our chapter, this was more than a meeting. It was a turning point. Across the United States, Latino physicians make up less than 7% of the workforce, even though Latinos represent nearly 19% of the population. Bringing students into one shared space showed what is possible when we invest in leadership, advocacy and culturally responsive care.”
The program included sessions on representation in medicine, health equity, and community collaboration. There was also an advocacy panel that addressed issues faced by internationally trained physicians. The event concluded with organizational updates and decision-making activities led by members to guide future initiatives.
Inginia Genao, MD, vice dean and vice president of the Office of Health Advancement and Community Engagement at Penn State College of Medicine, emphasized the significance of diversity in healthcare professions. “Representation in medicine matters because it shapes who feels seen, heard and empowered to seek care and to pursue careers in health professions,” Genao said. “When we intentionally cultivate inclusive pathways and work in partnership with our communities, we strengthen trust, advance health equity and create a health care system that is more responsive to the needs of those we serve.”
The LMSA Northeast region is recognized as the organization’s largest division nationally. Its annual House of Delegates serves as a platform for chapters to discuss amendments to governing documents, establish priorities for the year ahead, and enhance collaboration between institutions.
Further information about LMSA can be found through its official channels.
