LPOC and NHMA Formalize Partnership

LatinX Physicians of California (LPOC) and the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) are proud to announce the two organizations have officially signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU recognizes and builds on discussions which began at NHMA’s first West Coast annual conference in June 2025. The MOU strongly reflects the two organization’s shared partnership and mutual commitment to advance LatinX health equity, strengthen physician workforce pipeline development, support LatinX physician leadership development, and expand culturally responsive community health care initiatives.

LPOC President, Dr. James Cruz, shared that under the agreement, LPOC and NHMA each retain organizational independence, while agreeing to coordinate developing meaningful programs establishing mentorship opportunities for medical students and emerging physician leaders, supporting LatinX focused health care conferences, research, and advocacy initiatives. Members of both organizations will have voluntary opportunities to engage with each other across the national and California-based networks, enhancing collaboration and leadership development for current and aspiring LatinX physicians.

Dr. Gilbert Burgos, NHMA President, and Dr. James Cruz, LPOC President, will be meeting soon and begin exploring advancing specific initiatives which strengthen LatinX physician representation, support professional development, and amplify the voice of LatinX physicians nationwide. This MOU represents an important first step towards a stronger, unified presence for Latinx physicians in California and across the nation.

Updates on joint initiatives will be shared in future newsletters.