Latin American
Medical Student Ass
ociation
The USF Latin American Medical Student Association (LAMSA) represents the interest and ideals of Latino/a medical students as the Southeast regional division of the National Network of Latin American Medical Students (NNLAMS). First and foremost, the primary mission of LAMSA as a whole is to promote the improvement of health care for underprivileged and underserved communities. One of the fundamental features of contemporary American is its expanding multicultural diversity. Nationally, racial and ethnic minorities are projected to grow from 28% to nearly 40% in the year 2030. This diversity will remain one our our Nation's greatest assets. However, while the overall health of the Nation has improved over the last two decades, there is compelling evidence the U.S. minority populations will continue to suffer from escalating differences in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and burden of diseases and other adverse health conditions. The most striking health disparities include shorter overall life expectancy as well as higher rates of cardiovascular disease, cancer, infant mortality, birth defects, asthma, diabetes, stroke, sexually transmitted diseases, and mental illnesses, among others. Factors which unmistakably contribute to these health disparities include inequalities in income and education, and an incomprehensible lack of access to health care.
National Network of Latin American Medical Students (NNLAMS)
PURPOSE:
-
To educate and sensitize the entire medical community to the specific needs and differences of Hispanics regarding health and well-being.
-
To promote awareness about social, political, and economic issues as they relate to Hispanic health issues.
-
To promote medical students’ interest that will lead to the improvement of healthcare for under-served communities.
-
To recruit Hispanic minorities into higher education.
-
To set up a support network for Hispanic medical student