The Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) Midwest 2024 Regional Conference connected NEOMED students to chapters across the region, including from Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois. This conference was hosted at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine in Cleveland. The theme, "Juntos nos Levantamos: Roots Run Deep, Dreams Fly High," reminded us of the LMSA core values to lift as we climb.
Throughout this year, in planning events and connecting with upperclassmen within NEOMED's chapter, we were incredibly lucky to have so many second-year mentors on the executive board to pave our path. Emily Arellano and Max Dawson, current second-year medicine students, guided our group of first-year medicine students at this historic conference. This was the first opportunity to present research in this setting for many of us.
Research Poster 1
"Qualitative Analysis of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery in the Hispanic Population" was presented by Jeffrey Toman, Amanda Iset, and Max Dawson.
The students shared their thoughts:
After doing this research, my team and I realized that there needs to be more research about these challenges. Doctors need more awareness on the impact of social determinants on patient continuity of care. - Amanda Iset
As future physicians, we have a responsibility to advocate for the needs of our patient populations and promote justice in health care. By working together and making our voices heard, we have the power to shape the health outcomes of our future patients. - Jeffrey Toman
Research poster 2
“An Updated Review of Bone Mineral Density and Osteoporosis Prevalence in Postmenopausal Hispanic Women" was presented by Arnold Diaz, Sophie Tayade, Emily Arellano, and Sofia Perez.
The students shared their thoughts:
Presenting our findings on the prevalence of low bone mineral density and osteoporosis in postmenopausal Hispanic women is a step towards addressing these health disparities in Latin communities. - Arnold Diaz
It was incredible to hear from talented students and health professionals from across the region. We learned how to consider the next steps after conducting research and creative ways to share this information in the community. One example is when hairstylists were trained to promote breast cancer awareness within the Latino community! - Sophie Tayade
UNIQUE PROGRAMMING
The conference had unique programming for high school, pre-medical and medical students for the Midwest region. Residency program directors, residents, physicians and advisors from various medical schools and hospitals were eager to connect with us! There was also a service opportunity to donate blood and register to vote, which further emphasized our individual power to make change. Through engaging panels and lectures, we expanded our perspective on why Hispanic communities face challenges in accessing care and what we can do to improve their health outcomes.
In addition to poster presentations, LMSA members attended the conference sessions, gala, and House of Delegates meeting. LMSA members in attendance include Francisco Reyes, Muneez Javed, Lauren Falcon, Emily Arellano, Max Dawson, Sophie Tayade, Sofia Perez, Arnold Diaz, Amanda Iset, and Jeffrey Toman.
Juntos Nos Levantamos
Caption: Front row: Sophie Tayade, Adriana Arribas, Amanda Iset, Emily Arellano, Sofia Perez and Meera Nair. Second row: Muneez Javed, Jeffrey Toman, Arnold Diaz and Max Dawson.
To students considering opportunities at NEOMED, we encourage you to take it a step further and become involved at the regional and national levels. Even if you are not currently a member of LMSA, anyone is welcome to join, and we are already thinking about ideas for research presentations next year!
Even now, there are opportunities for NEOMED students to apply for LMSA Midwest executive board-appointed positions. This is especially helpful for students who hope to obtain elected positions at the regional or national level. NEOMED’s chapter will also have positions open for all graduate and professional students every fall and spring.
All of us left this weekend feeling that our journey in medicine, while perhaps challenging, is not a solitary one because juntos nos levantamos.
We would like to offer a special thank you to our incredible mentors within LMSA, especially the second-year members and leadership. We would also like to thank Iris Mirelez and Victor Torres for their endless support in all our endeavors and especially for this opportunity to represent NEOMED at the regional level!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
LMSA Leadership Applications
Due: Saturday, March 9, 11:59 pm
LMSA Fundraiser
Date: Friday, March 22, at 6-8 p.m.
Location: Los Girasoles in Kent
LMSA Physician Mentor Panel
Date: Wednesday, March 27, at 7-8 p.m.
University Multicultural Festival (LMSA table)
Date: Wednesday, April 10, at 4:30-6:30 p.m.
-- This article was submitted by Sophie Tayade and Amanda Islet, first-year College of Medicine students