We Need More Latine Physicians &
Health Care Leaders

Latine* health care leaders continue to make advancements in medicine and research, create life-changing cures, and strive for equitable care within our communities. This month, NMF proudly celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and continues to support increased representation of Latine people, and all diverse communities, within the health care workforce. 

Only 6% of doctors in the United States are Latine, despite accounting for about 19% of the U.S. population. NMF envisions a diverse health care workforce that will have the leadership, commitment, and cultural competency to achieve health equity. NMF invites you to not only celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, but also to join NMF in ensuring more Latine medical students become the future health care leaders we need. 

*Learn more about NMF's usage of the term "Latine"

NMF’s work is grounded in its Strategic Framework, and this newsletter
includes icons indicating the strategic pillars advanced.

Values Come to Life

"Being a proud Latino means knowing who you are, where you come from and being clear about your abilities and purpose in life... Despite my family’s resource limitations, my mother always instilled in me a strong value for educational achievement and conveyed the importance of contributing to the betterment of the Latino community."

Mission Mandate

Open Scholarships & Programs 

• United Health Foundation/NMF Diverse Medical Scholars Program  
  Closes on November 10, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET 

• Horizon Behavioral Health Scholarship  
  This deadline has been EXTENDED and now closes on October 29, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET 

• Don Levin Trust Scholarship 
  Closes on November 12, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET 

• Dr. Silas Norman, Jr. Scholarship 
  Closes on November 12, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET 

Meet NMA President Dr. Yolanda Lawson

In a recent profile, Dr. Lawson reflected on the importance of increasing the number of diverse principal investigators. When it comes to health care policy and advocacy, “this is an issue I will be embedding into my presidential platform with the association,” she said. As a NMF Diversity in Clinical Trials Program participant, Dr. Lawson was able to receive the training she needed to lead clinical trials. The program was a lot more in depth than she had anticipated and recommends it “to anyone who is not only an aspiring researcher but also currently employed folks at all levels of their careers.” This program is currently accepting applications!

It Takes a Village to Achieve Health Equity 

Addressing the social and political determinants of health requires broad, unified action – and immediate focus. In a recent article, co-authored by Squire Servance, the Founder & Managing Partner at Syridex Bio and our President and CEO, Michellene Davis, Esq. speak to the importance of advancing health equity, addressing the current state of health care, and highlighting the impact that joining forces will make. 

“Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the deep disparities in American health care have never been clearer. Though the virus’ threats have receded, symptoms of the underlying problem continue to multiply: The U.S. life expectancy is at its lowest in nearly two decades." 

A New Brand Shines a Light on NMF's Legacy

NMF’s recent rebranding presents the opportunity to retell our story. The adaptation of a new logo at NMF signifies the reinvigorating journey that we have embarked on to achieve lasting health equity.  
 
Watch our logo then and now to see just how far this organization has come.

Alumni Opportunities

Extending NMF Dctr’s October Cohort Application

According to a report by the FDA, of 292,537 participants (2015-2019) in clinical trials globally, 76% were white, 11% were Asian and only 7% were Black. 
 
The mission of the NMF Dctr program is to increase underrepresented patient engagement and participation in clinical research to ensure that treatment and preventative regimens are thoroughly investigated across all populations. It is imperative that we make a difference in clinical research, so we have extended the application deadline for the 2023 October cohort of this tuition-free program.  

Please apply by Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET.  

Become a Sawubona Healing Circle Facilitator 

NMF and the Association of Black Psychologists will be offering Sawubona Healing Circle Facilitator Training online. NMF is also in conversation with the National Latinx Psychological Association, to further work on NMF’s strategic pillar advancing behavioral health and wellbeing. 
 
This fall, NMF will offer SHCs and facilitator training to alumni who identify as individuals with lived Black experiences and wish to work with members of African/African-American diasporic communities to create safe spaces for healing. With this certification in your toolkit, you will be able to have additional resources to use in the schools you attend, the organizations you work with, the communities you serve in, and for yourself as you facilitate healing and resilience. 

The training provides the knowledge, skillset, and methodology to enhance attendees’ ability to provide effective culturally affirming services in countering the adverse impact of exposure to racial trauma. 

Seeding Excellence Series

Alumni are invited to attend the inaugural Seeding Excellence session. This new series allows NMF alumni to hear about the work and impact of young alumni and scholars. For a sneak peek of the caliber of scholars and young alumni that will participate in this series, we invite you to watch UHF/NMF Scholar Bryan Redmond in our recent Listen & Learn session.

We hope you will join us on October 25, 2023 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. EST to hear from young alumna, Dr. Tania Gennell, an aspiring pediatric surgeon and current general surgery resident at NYU Langone Health-Long Island and Caylon Pettis an M4 MD/MPH student at Loyola University’s Stritch School of Medicine.

NMF at the Congressional Black Caucus