Profile: Hispanic American Medical Association of Houston

On June 20, 1990 a group of Hispanic physicians from Houston, under the leadership of Dr. David Almeyda, decided to form an organization that would integrate all Hispanic physicians in the area, with two main goals: to become an association that would look after the needs of Hispanic doctors and become a source of better care for the Hispanic population in the Houston area and its surroundings through community outreach programs. The founders were also interested in establishing a scholarship program for medical students of Hispanic origin or ancestry. In 2000 our bylaws were amended to open membership to all Hispanic physicians in the area, and two new members were added to the Executive Board as Presidential Advisors.

Steadily, over the years, the number of active members has increased. The strength and maturity of our organization has been solidified with the active participation of increasing number of key members who have devoted time and effort to achieve and expand the goals of HAMAH.

HAMAH GOALS:

1.       To proudly represent all Hispanic-American physicians, physicians with Hispanic ancestry and any Spanish speaking colleague wishing to join us. HAMAH also welcomes our friends from Brazil, Portugal and the Caribbean nations.

2.       To promote fellowship and unify physicians of Hispanic origin and represent the Hispanic physicians interests with the local professional organizations, Hispanic Organizations in the USA and the Hispanic community leadership.

3.       To promote health and education in the Houston area and its vicinity through community outreach programs with activities that would improve their health.

4.       To become a source of better care for the Hispanic population.

5.       To establish a scholarship and mentor program for Hispanic American medical students or medical students from Hispanic descent.

6.       To foster professional interchange with physicians and medical organizations from Latin American countries.