Mission Statement
The LMSA National Diversity Committee is dedicated to fostering equity, inclusion, and belonging within the medical community by celebrating diversity and advocating for the needs of underrepresented students, particularly those of Latinx/Hispanic heritage. Our mission is to amplify diverse voices, address systemic barriers, and empower future healthcare leaders through education, mentorship, and community collaboration. By promoting awareness of cultural, social, and personal identities, we aim to create a medical workforce that reflects the communities it serves.
Committee History
The LMSA National Diversity Committee was established to meet the growing demand for representation and inclusivity in the medical field. Beginning as grassroots advocacy efforts within LMSA chapters, the committee has grown into a robust, national platform that fosters impactful initiatives and drives systemic change.
Recognizing the disparities faced by Latinx and Hispanic students in medicine, the committee has consistently championed equity in medical education and healthcare. Over time, the committee has broadened its scope to address emerging priorities, such as mental health awareness and disabilities in medicine, reinforcing its commitments to inclusivity and adaptability.
Through its evolving initiatives, the Diversity Committee continues to shape a medical landscape where all individuals, regardless of identity, background, or ability, feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Past Resolutions
Our resolutions reflect concrete action—formal commitments that guide LMSA’s priorities, strengthen accountability, and advance equity across the organization. Each resolution represents a milestone in our ongoing work to build a more just and inclusive medical community.
- 05-2020 (Amended 2025) – Improving Access to DACA Resources for Pre-Health and Medical Students
LMSA strengthened its commitment to undocumented and DACA students by establishing a confidential national mentorship database, expanding mentor recruitment and training, and collaborating with policy leaders to promote transparent financial-aid reporting and institutional accountability—an initiative directly led and maintained by the National Diversity Committee. - 02-2024 – Advocating for Inclusive Medicine: Disability Awareness & Support
This resolution integrates disability-awareness programming into LMSA’s national operations through recurring events, educational campaigns, and chapter outreach; the Diversity Committee originated, executes, and annually curates these initiatives to embed disability inclusion within medical education. - 16-2025 – Addressing Racial Disparities in Pain Management and Anesthesia Care for Latinx Patients
Authored by members of the Diversity Committee and partners, this policy calls for research, clinical training reform, and bias-mitigation strategies to reduce inequities in pain assessment and anesthesia care for Latinx patients, with the Committee providing guidance on implementation and curricular advocacy. - 24-2024 – Addressing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Efforts in Higher Education
LMSA opposed anti-DEI legislation and committed to safeguarding DEI offices, allocating funds for affected students, and developing a comprehensive DEI Toolkit; the Diversity Committee co-authored and now stewards the toolkit while coordinating national support for chapters under policy restrictions. - 24-2025 – In Opposition to Dismantling the Department of Education and Eliminating the Grad PLUS Loan Program
This resolution denounces threats to the U.S. Department of Education and the Grad PLUS Loan Program, mobilizing coalition advocacy and representation at Salud Summit; the Diversity Committee endorsed the effort to highlight the disproportionate financial impact on Latinx, DACA, and first-generation trainees. - 25-2025 – Protecting Access, Promoting Inclusion: LGBTQIA+ Health and Gender-Affirming Care
Expanding on LMSA’s equity mission, this policy advances LGBTQIA+ health education through national awareness campaigns, mentorship networks, and a Gender-Affirming Care Toolkit conceived and administered by the Diversity Committee and its LGBTQIA+ Subcommittee.
Past Initiatives and Events
