History
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.
Authority
The maximum authority in HAMAH is the General Assembly, constituted by all active members. The HAMAH Board of Directors is formed by a representative of each Hispanic country. The Executive Committee is formed by the President, President-Elect, Past President, Secretary, Treasurer and two advisors. The advisors are appointed by the President; the other executive board members are proposed by the Board of Directors and elected at the general assembly during our Annual Gala in November.
The Hispanic American Medical Association of Houston (HAMAH) first executive Board was: President: Dr. David Almeyda, President-Elect: Dr. Jose A. Gutierrez; Secretary: Dr. Jose G. Monsalvez and Treasurer: Dr. Juan J. Olivero.
During the past few years HAMAH has granted seven scholarships per year to medical students of Hispanic origin from Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas Medical School. When natural disasters have stricken Latin America, HAMAH has been instrumental in sending medical relief to Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. HAMAH has collaborated with the Texas Union of Latino Medical Students during their annual meeting and a mentorship program is to be established to help orient these medical students.
HAMAH has also worked with the General Consulate of Mexico in Houston in local events. Most recently, HAMAH became a member of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA).
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