MEDIA RELATIONS

Press Releases

National Hispanic Medical Association Announces Rafael Saenz, M.S., Pharm.D., as New Executive Director

Feb. 5, 2025 — Rafael Saenz, M.S., Pharm.D., has been appointed Executive Director of the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA), bringing his extensive leadership experience and commitment to advancing healthcare access for underserved communities. With a proven track record in strategic planning and advocacy, Saenz is poised to further NHMA's mission of empowering Hispanic physicians and improving healthcare for Hispanic Americans.

Hispanic Medical Association Opposes Immigration Enforcement in Hospitals, Schools and Places of Worship

Jan. 28, 2025 — As the leading Hispanic medical association, NHMA firmly believes that hospitals and schools must remain safe, and we strongly oppose the Trump administration’s decision to dismantle protections that shield vulnerable communities from ICE arrests in these critical spaces.

National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) Issues Statement in Response to Declining Medical School Enrollment Rates by Black and Latino Students

Jan. 24, 2025 — Gilbert Burgos, MD, MPH, Interim President and Board Chairman of the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA), released the following statement in response to the newly published report from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) regarding medical school enrollment trends in 2024.  

National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) Opposes U.S. Withdrawal from the World Health Organization 

Jan. 24, 2025 — The National Hispanic Medical Association strongly opposes President Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization, warning that this move undermines global health security and hinders efforts to combat critical health challenges like COVID-19, malaria, and HIV.

NHMA Reschedules Annual Conference in Anaheim, California.

Jan. 23, 2025 — Gilbert Burgos, M.D., MPH, Interim President and Chairman of the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA), announced the postponement of the 28th Annual Conference to June 5-7, 2025, due to the ongoing wildfire crisis in Southern California.

Interim NHMA President Expresses Concerns Over Kennedy Jr.'s Vaccine Skepticism, Urges Evidence-Based Health Policies

Nov. 18, 2024  Gilbert Burgos, M.D., MPH, Interim President and Chairman of the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA), expressed concern over Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine skepticism, calling it a threat to public health and health equity. He urged the incoming administration to prioritize evidence-based health policies.

National Hispanic Medical Association Announces Departure of President and CEO Elena Rios, MD 

June 1, 2024 — The National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) announces the departure of its President and CEO, Elena Rios, MD. As a founding member, Dr. Rios' visionary leadership has shaped NHMA's mission and impact for an impressive 30 years.

Laurel Road Partners with National Hispanic Medical Association to Foster Financial Wellness for Hispanic Physicians

May 15, 2024 — Laurel Road announced its partnership with the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA), a nonprofit association representing the interests of 50,000 licensed Hispanic physicians in the United States. Through this collaboration, Laurel Road, a digital lending platform and brand of KeyBank, will offer financial education and resources to NHMA’s 1,000+ members to support their financial well-being and assist them in achieving their financial objectives.

Yale School of Medicine Collaboration to Further Clinical Trial Diversity

April 25, 2024  Yale School of Medicine and Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine Development (EQBMED) — a multi-institute collaboration focused on clinical trial diversity — announced today a new partnership with 14 community and faith-based organizations and professional societies, furthering its mission to foster equitable access to clinical trials.

April 12, 2024 — The National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) and the National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF) are proud to announce the launch of their inaugural "40 Under 40" campaign, aimed at recognizing and celebrating young professionals who are making significant strides in advancing Hispanic health within the healthcare industry.

NHMA Announces the Outstanding Chapter of the Year Award

April 11, 2024 — The National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) announced that the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has been awarded the 2023 NHMA Regional Health Equity Champion Award. This award recognizes the chamber's outstanding contributions to improving health equity in the Hispanic community. The NHMA presented the award during the 26th Annual NHMA Conference, held April 27-30 in Washington, D.C.

National Hispanic Medical Association and National Hispanic Health Foundation to host breakthrough 30th Anniversary Celebration and Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. 

April 5, 2024 — The National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) and The National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF) convened at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill Hotel to commemorate 30 years of dedication to promoting health equity and advancing Latino representation within the healthcare industry. Over the past 30 years, NHMA has made great strides toward achieving health equity for Latinos through innovative approaches, groundbreaking partnerships, and inspirational conferences that seek to expose, dissect, and solve issues plaguing America’s healthcare system.

March 6, 2024 — The National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) released the results of a survey showing physicians report a significant increase in the utilization of health care services among seniors. The survey, conducted by J. Wallin Opinion Research and commissioned by the Better Medicare Alliance, polled a nationwide sample of physicians across specialties who serve patients enrolled in the Medicare program.

15 Healthcare Organizations Call on Food and Drug Administration to Expedite Approval of COVID Treatments Options

Jan. 3, 2024 — The National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) and 14 healthcare organizations urge the FDA to expedite the study and approval of COVID-19 treatments, including monoclonal antibodies, to protect people, especially those who are immunocompromised, from new COVID-19 variants.

Pioneering Research Journal Expands Awareness of Issues Impacting Hispanic Health

Nov. 30, 2023 — The National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) published the second issue of the Journal of the National Hispanic Medical Association (JNHMA), a first-of-its-kind medical research journal dedicated to addressing pressing health issues affecting the Hispanic community.

Media Contacts

Fernanda Durand, Communications Director (email)

Felipe Rivadeneira, Senior Communications Coordinator (email)

Bethany Portillo, Communications Coordinator (email)