Three groups support efforts of LLU Latin students
Loma Linda University Health is home to three groups focused on supporting the efforts of Latin students through mentoring, scholarship awards, and education programs.
Founded in 1977, the Hispanic Alumni of Loma Linda (HALL) is the longest serving group. HALL supports LLUH through a scholarship program for Hispanic students, with funds raised through partnerships with both internal and external sources. Records going back to 2011 show HALL has awarded scholarships totaling more than $821,000. Students in each of Loma Linda University’s schools receive HALL support.
For the coming school year, HALL President Anita Adorador hopes to bulk up the scholarship program through increased fundraising efforts. Adorador, the Director of Community Based Programs and Services at Redlands Community Hospital, is working with the LLUH philanthropy team to contact more than 3,500 identified Hispanic alumni, introducing them to the organization and inviting support. HALL also hopes to establish a mentorship program that will connect Hispanic alumni with current LLU students.
For information about how to become involved in HALL, or to learn how to support their efforts, email HALL@llu.edu.
The Latino Medical Student Association is a national organization formed in 1998 and has chapters in most U.S. medical schools. The Loma Linda University School of Medicine became an active chapter member in LMSA earlier this year. Gabriella De Los Santos, SM 2024, serves as the chapter president.
With more than 40 members, the local LMSA focuses on empowering Latin students and community members and seeks to connect students with conference and research opportunities available throughout the country. The chapter has also developed a mentorship program with CAPS, which matches a current medical student with Hispanic high school or college students interested in medical careers.
De Los Santos also points to LMSA’s efforts to connect current medical students with Hispanic physicians for mentorship and research opportunities, as well as spiritual and social connections developed through activities including vespers events and camping weekends.
The School of Medicine is also home to Latinidad, a club that seeks to create bridges between SOM students and the surrounding region’s Latin community. Launched in January 2022, membership now numbers more than 150. Joshua Salguero, SM 2024, serves as Latinidad’s president.
According to Salguero, Latinidad seeks to increase the cultural competency of all SM students in order to better care for the Hispanic community’s health needs. The club holds Medical Spanish classes monthly and offers other social and cultural opportunities for members.
A fourth Hispanic group is in the early stages of formation at LLUH. Interest in a Hispanic Heritage Employee Resource Group is in the exploration stages. Interested employees can email HALL@llu.edu for more information.
