NHMA's 2025 Annual Conference Award Honorees
We were proud to recognize the following individuals and organizations during the NHMA 2025 Annual Conference for their outstanding contributions to Latino health and leadership.
Julieta Arguelles, M.D.
Rising IMG Award
Awarded to one International Medical Graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and/or service for the community over the past year.
Estefani Cota, Brody School of Medicine
Student of the Year
Awarded to a student actively involved in NHMA demonstrating commitment to serving Hispanic communities or advancement of issues pertinent to Hispanic populations throughout this past year.
Kimberly Flores, Lincoln Memorial University
Student of the Year
Awarded to a student actively involved in NHMA demonstrating commitment to serving Hispanic communities or advancement of issues pertinent to Hispanic populations throughout this past year.
Michael Galvez, M.D.
National Latino Physician Day Founder
Recognizes visionary leadership in establishing National Latino Physician Day to raise awareness of Latino representation in medicine and inspire future generations.
Cristian Gutierrez Huerta, Medical College of Wisconsin
Student of the Year
Awarded to a student actively involved in NHMA demonstrating commitment to serving Hispanic communities or advancement of issues pertinent to Hispanic populations throughout this past year.
Luis “El Matador” Hernandez
Campeón de la Salud
Honors a non-physician advocate who has made a significant impact in advancing Hispanic health through outreach, education, or community engagement.
Luis Isea, M.D.
Emerging Leader
An individual who has demonstrated significant participation and/or leadership within NHMA organization during their first 5 years of membership.
Alexandra Lopez Vera, Ph.D., MPH
NHMA Allied Healthcare Professional of the Year
To be presented annually to an allied health professional dedicated to service or leadership within our Hispanic Communities.
María Mejía, M.D., MPH, FACPM, FASAM
Unsung Hero Award
Recognizes a Physician who embodies the Latino Story and NHMA values who has inspired others with their work or approach of practice which may have been underrecognized.
Cesar Padilla, M.D.
National Latino Physician Day Founder
Recognizes visionary leadership in establishing National Latino Physician Day to raise awareness of Latino representation in medicine and inspire future generations.
Diana E. Ramos, M.D., MPH, MBA
Special Recognition for Outgoing California Surgeon
Acknowledges exemplary public service and leadership in advancing equitable health outcomes for California’s diverse communities.
Alejandra Rodriguez, University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine
Student of the Year
Awarded to a student actively involved in NHMA demonstrating commitment to serving Hispanic communities or advancement of issues pertinent to Hispanic populations throughout this past year.
Emanuel Salcedo, M.D.
NHMA Resident of the Year Award
Resident that has demonstrated a commitment to serving Hispanic communities or advancement of issues pertinent to Hispanic populations throughout this past year.
Pedro Sanchez-Lara, M.D., MSCE, FAAP, FACMG
Physician of the Year Award
Awarded to an active NHMA physician who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving Hispanic communities or advancement of issues pertinent to Hispanic populations throughout this past year.
Josylyn Santana, University of California Riverside School of Medicine
Student of the Year
Awarded to a student actively involved in NHMA demonstrating commitment to serving Hispanic communities or advancement of issues pertinent to Hispanic populations throughout this past year.
Giselle A. Suero-Abreu, M.D., Ph.D., MSc
NHMA Fellow of the Year Award
Awarded to a fellow that has demonstrated a commitment to serving Hispanic Communities or advancement of issue pertinent to Hispanic populations throughout this past year.
Monica Yepes Rios, M.D., FACP
Faculty Mentor of the Year
Presented to an individual who has demonstrated an extraordinary impact on the academic success of students or residents who are underrepresented in medicine or from historically marginalized groups.