MOLA The Medical Organization for Latino Advancement Supporting Health Equity for the Latino Community

The Medical Organization for Latino Advancement (MOLA) is a professional association committed to improving the health and well-being of Latino communities through education, advocacy, and leadership development. Founded by healthcare professionals addressing the lack of Latino representation in medicine, MOLA has become a cornerstone for advancing Latino health equity.

Our mission is to empower Latino health professionals as leaders while tackling systemic barriers affecting community health. MOLA’s efforts are anchored in mentorship, education, and advocacy to foster an inclusive, representative, and equitable healthcare system.

What We Do at MOLA

MOLA’s initiatives target the unique challenges faced by Latino health professionals and the communities they serve, focusing on leadership development, building trust, and systemic advocacy.

1. Building the Next Generation of Latino Healthcare Leaders

MOLA provides comprehensive programs for Latino students and professionals at all stages of their careers:

• MOLA-MRF Scholars Program: Pairs Latinx scholars with experienced mentors to lead impactful health research projects, culminating in presentations at MOLA’s annual conference.

• MOLA Mentorship Program: Offers year-long cohorts connecting students with mentors through monthly webinars on pre-health topics, career guidance, skill development, and strategies to overcome barriers Latinos face in healthcare.

  The program includes three subcommittees:

  
  

• Sexual and Gender Minority

• International Health Graduates

• DACA Task Force/Aves del Paraíso

  
  

Scholars and mentees are encouraged to engage in additional MOLA events, fostering networking, knowledge-sharing, and cultural celebration. These initiatives create a pipeline of support guiding participants from undergraduate studies to distinguished healthcare careers.

2. Promoting Education and Professional Development

MOLA organizes events and conferences to unite healthcare professionals, students, researchers, and community members for learning and collaboration:

• MOLA-NAMS Annual Conference: A platform for Latino healthcare professionals to present research, share best practices, and network. Topics range from medical Spanish curriculum development to AI innovations in healthcare.

• Health Disparities Symposium Series: Launched in 2024, this series, developed with academic institutions, addresses critical health disparities affecting the LHS+ (Latinx, Hispanic, Spanish-speaking) community. Events feature panels and evidence-based solutions tackling disparities in cancer, cardio-metabolic health, and more.

  • The inaugural 2024 LHS+ Cancer Disparities Series, held with Northwestern Medicine, highlighted disparities and solutions. In 2025, a series on cardio-metabolic and renal health disparities is planned.

    
    

These initiatives empower participants to address Latino community challenges, advancing health equity and professional development.

Reflecting on the 2024 Election Results and Their Implications for the Hispanic Community

The 2024 presidential election brought mixed emotions within the Hispanic community, fueling both hope and renewed fears. For undocumented individuals, fears of persecution or deportation impact daily decisions, including avoiding essential healthcare.

In Chicago, MOLA’s birthplace, these concerns persist despite the city’s sanctuary policies. Fear keeps many families from accessing resources, worsening health outcomes, delaying child development, and deepening isolation. MOLA strives to address these issues by advocating for equitable access to healthcare and resources.

The Role of Policy in Advancing Our Mission

Policy shapes the environment in which Latino communities live and thrive. While not MOLA’s sole focus, advocacy for health equity policies, such as bilingual healthcare staff and addressing social determinants of health, is essential to our mission.

Through engagement in policy discussions, MOLA works to create a healthcare system inclusive of diverse perspectives and needs. This is not about politics but fairness and access for all.

Building Trust and Promoting Equity

Trust is the foundation for successful healthcare policies and programs. MOLA is committed to rebuilding and strengthening trust between Latino communities and institutions. By fostering transparency, dialogue, and commitment to addressing inequities, MOLA ensures that every individual feels safe and supported.

Avoiding care due to fear leads to untreated chronic conditions, worsening mental health struggles, and deepened disparities. Addressing these issues is a moral imperative and crucial for the overall health and vitality of Chicago and beyond.

Looking Ahead

As MOLA grows, its vision remains steadfast: creating a healthcare landscape reflecting the diversity of our communities. Through mentorship, education, advocacy, and community engagement, MOLA empowers Latino healthcare professionals and builds trust within the communities they serve.

MOLA invites everyone to join this mission. Whether you seek mentorship, want to give back as a professional, or are a community member eager to learn, MOLA welcomes you. Together, we can create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

¡Juntos somos más fuertes!