Who we are:
LANAMA was founded in 1985 to provide a more welcoming and supportive environment for Native American and Latino/a medical students at the University of Michigan Medical School (UMMS). We recognize the pressing need to address the alarming health disparities of the Latino and Native American communities and are therefore committed to increasing awareness and promoting service in these communities among all students at the University of Michigan Medical School. In addition, we aim to increase the enrollment, graduation, and future leadership of Latino/a, Native American, and allied medical students through an academic, social, and professional network, as well as a nurturing atmosphere of La Familia. We are also a local chapter of the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA).
What your financial support goes to:
Leadership
This year we are raising funds to help support student's attendance of professional conferences such as the LMSA regional and national conferences for networking and professional presentations. These conferences are vastly influential in the formation of future physicians through their empowering workshops, inspiring presentations, and invigorating community building. We strive to make these conferences available and easily accessible to all LANAMA members by reducing or eliminating the financial barrier.
Mentorship
This year we are raising funds to support our mentorship of Latino/a Undergraduate Medical Association (LUMA). Each undergraduate student is matched with a LANAMA medical student to guide them on their educational journey. In the midst of the pandemic, we have found that these mentorship relationships have been invaluable for both the undergraduate and medical students as we form and foster authentic connections. We have hosted educational workshops. wellness events, and speaker series to help motivate and inspire students to own their unique narrative. We hope to continue to form longitudinal relationships and with your support offer assistance with the necessary materials needed to apply for medical school, prepare for MCAT exams, and create immersive experiences for the next generation of physicians.
Community
Latino and Native American students are underrepresented in medicine, and thus it is important to provide support of cultural events for students to build Comunidad to continue to empower and uplift each other through this journey.
Recruitment and Retention
We want the Latino and Native American student population within UMMS to grow! We do that by reaching out to admitted students and asking them to Go Blue! and be part of the LANAMA organization. Help us increase or LANAMA community!
