Student leaders host regional meeting focused on leadership and health equity
Penn State College of Medicine welcomed students from across the region, hosting the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) Northeast Fall House of Delegates (HOD), a day focused on leadership development, policy discussion and community building.
Organized by second-year medical students Dahlia Luz Chacon, Veronica Huizar Cabral, and Lizbeth De la Rosa Abreu, the event brought together more than 100 attendees from 48 medical schools, marking a milestone gathering for the College.
“For our chapter, this was more than a meeting. It was a turning point,” said Chacon. “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, sponsored by the Office of Health Advancement and Community Engagement, featured discussions on representation in medicine, health equity and community collaboration, along with an advocacy panel focused on internationally trained physicians. The day concluded with organizational updates and member-led decision-making shaping the group’s future direction.
“Representation in medicine matters because it shapes who feels seen, heard and empowered to seek care and to pursue careers in health professions,” said Inginia Genao, MD, vice dean, vice president, Office of Health Advancement and Community Engagement. “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 Northeast region is the largest division of LMSA nationwide, and the annual HOD serves as a forum for chapters to vote on constitutional amendments, set priorities and strengthen collaboration across institutions.
Click here to learn more about LMSA.
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