This is the web presence of
San Antonio's Hispanic Medical Society.
******Meeting scheduled for June 26th, 2009. See
"Next Meeting" page.********
History:
The Society was officially created as a non-profit
organization by a group of Hispanic physicians in February 16, 1979 as
“Sociedad Medica Hispanoamericana de Tejas” (see History)
The group united Hispanic physicians in the community and gave them
an opportunity to meet socially and culturally. The name was
changed in the early 90’s. Ours is the oldest Hispanic
medical organization in Bexar County. The society celebrated its 25th
anniversary at the President’s Gala in May 2004
. The social activities gained importance after the
spouses were invited to participate in the planning of the meetings by Dr. Jose
Lopez, President of the society in 1989.
Society Status:
There has been a decrease in interest and membership in our
organization over the last several years. A new generation of English
speaking Hispanic physicians found the society's cultural mandate less relevant, and
declining sponsorship and meeting attendance made it necessary to hold
a referendum to determine the fate of the society. To
the surprise of many, the majority of the members who answered voted to keep the
society alive. Supportive members were then asked to participate in an
organizational, working board. This board includes :
Dr. Gilberto Aguirre
Dr. Carmelo Otero
Dr. Jo Ruiz-Healy,
Dr. Joaquin Mira,
Dr. Jose Rebolledo
Dr.
Julio Ortiz
Dr. Magdalena Traudt
and Dr. Linda Parsi.
Several past
presidents of the society also serve on our advisory board. These are Dr. Hugo Carvajal, Dr. Hugo Castaneda, Dr. Ma. Antonieta Gonzalez and Dr.
Martha Wilson. The main goal of our efforts has been to define the mission of the society.
The board feels the need to evolve from a social and cultural organization to a society whose main
mission benefits the community. A partnership with San Fernando and the Mexican
Consulate provides an excellent opportunity to practice our redefined
mission.
We appreciate input from all interested physicians and can
be reached by e-mail at:
mailto:jestrada@hispanicmedicalsociety.org
