A monthlong celebration showcases Hispanic Heritage and culture for TCOM students
Led by the Latino Medical Student Association, students at UNT Health Fort Worth had a unique opportunity to learn, listen and honor Hispanic Heritage Month. The month saw students from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine host a variety of events that showcased their culture and traditions. From learning Medical Spanish, apron painting, a futbol/soccer tournament, to hosting the traditional game of Lotería, the month was full of opportunities to learn more about Hispanic Heritage.
Latinos en Medicina: Physician Panel & National Latino Physician Day
The Latinos en Medicina Physician Panel consisted of TCOM alumni and faculty, including Dr. Maria Asprilla (palliative care), Dr. Alex Guevara (family medicine), and Dr. Pamela Barrera (pediatrics). They shared their journeys to medicine and insights regarding caring for Hispanic/Latino populations. The discussion highlighted topics such as mentorship, representation, and resilience in medicine, giving students valuable guidance on navigating medical school and beyond.
On National Latino Physicians Day, they also highlighted Dr. Bianka Soria-Olmos, a TCOM grad, and Dr. Christopher Medina. Latinos make up nearly 20% of the U.S. population, yet only 6% of physicians identify as Latino.
“Hearing their stories of resilience, representation, and commitment to their communities reminded me that our identity is not a barrier but a strength,” said Eber Villazana, a second-year TCOM student and LMSA president. “As aspiring physicians devoted to caring for others, learning from and engaging with different cultures helps us grow more compassionate and culturally aware, building a more diverse and inclusive space for our patients.
Walk with a Doc: Traditional Food Talk with the Texas Medical Association
In collaboration with the Texas Medical Association, LMSA hosted September’s Walk with a Doc: Traditional Food Talk. Designed to promote physical activity and health education with community members, students presented a topic concerning bone health and a healthy diet.
Sabor Saludable: Remixing Hispanic Classics & Apron Painting
Remixing Hispanic Classics was a culturally focused health education event combining nutrition and art, in collaboration with Arts in Medicine and the Preventive & Lifestyle Use in Medicine group. Attendees participated in an apron-painting activity while listening to a presentation on healthier approaches to preparing traditional Hispanic dishes such as tamales, chiles rellenos, and tres leches cake. The event highlighted the value of preserving cultural traditions while promoting wellness through nutrition.
“Hosting Sabor Saludable, allowed me to celebrate Hispanic culture while promoting healthier lifestyles in a way that felt authentic and meaningful,” said Gladys Tamayo, a second-year TCOM student and LMSA Vice President. “Growing up, food was always a symbol of love and tradition in my Hispanic community, but through this event, I realized how small, mindful changes can make those same dishes nourishing for our bodies too. It was inspiring to merge cultural roots with my passion for medicine, showing that health education can be both culturally inclusive and creative.”
Scrub In: A Day in Medicine with Northside High School
A Day in Medicine provided Northside High School students with an immersive introduction to healthcare careers, with a particular focus on the D.O. pathway. Through this mentorship session, medical students offered guidance on the path to medicine, including topics like college readiness, medical school application process and professional development. The event concluded with an engaging suturing workshop, giving students hands-on experience and a glimpse of medical school life.
“There is a need for greater Hispanic representation in medicine to serve the growing Hispanic population of Texas,” said Javier Tello, a second-year TCOM student and LMSA external affairs officer. “Through this event, I aimed to inspire students to pursue higher education and become future medical professionals who will advance health outcomes and advocate for the Hispanic community.”
Carnaval de Salud with the Hispanic Wellness Coalition
In collaboration with the Hispanic Wellness Coalition, LMSA participated in Carnaval de Salud, a community health fair dedicated to serving Fort Worth’s underserved populations. Volunteers assisted with Spanish translation and vaccine registration, ensuring equitable access to vital healthcare resources. The event highlights LMSA’s commitment to improving the health of our communities.
Antojitos Fundraiser
Aimed to raise funds for Christmas at the Border, a regional initiative supporting unaccompanied migrant children during the holiday season. The fundraiser consisted traditional antojitos or cravings such as pan dulce, cheetos con queso and raspados.
Futbol Tournament
In collaboration with the Sports Club, LMSA hosted a soccer/futbol social where students got to enjoy their evening and spend some time outside of studying.
Lotería Night with the National Hispanic Pharmacists Association.
In collaboration with the National Hispanic Pharmacists Association, LMSA co-hosted a Lotería Night. Medical and pharmacy students came together to enjoy the traditional game of loteria to win prizes.
Medical Spanish Classes: Head & Neck and Musculoskeletal Exams
As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, LMSA offered two Medical Spanish classes focused on improving communication in Spanish-speaking patient care. The sessions covered Musculoskeletal and Head & Neck physical examinations, covering anatomy vocab and physician-patient dialogue.
“Medical Spanish matters to me because I have seen the lack of Spanish-speaking medical professionals and felt the effects in my own family,” said Crystal Peraza, a TCOM second-year student an LMSA’s Spanish curriculum representative. “Seeing the lack of adequate communication and numerous misunderstandings has shown me how important Spanish education is for equitable healthcare. I teach medical Spanish to my peers because it helps both other medical students and myself to connect with our Spanish-speaking patients.”
“Participating in these classes as well as learning along the way has actualized a passion within me to continue addressing the gaps in translational services amongst hospital systems for Spanish-speaking patients,” said Andres Hernandez, a second-year TCOM student and a Spanish curriculum representative for LMSA. “In personally seeing a lack of those services in spaces I wasn’t originally supposed to be in (shadowing opportunities), I saw that there is a desperate and growing need, as my Spanish is also not near fluency by any means. Seeing this lack of dire resources in a state like Texas, where the language is one of the most prevalent, is disappointing at best. In continuing to engage and promote Medical Spanish classes through LMSA, we are bridging the gaps to better outcomes for each Spanish-speaking patient, one word at a time.”
Although Hispanic Heritage Month has ended, LMSA will be hosting and participating in other events, including Christmas at the Border Annual 5K Fundraiser and Dia de los Muertos celebration that honors the lives of loved ones who have passed.
This special event brings together community, culture, and remembrance through colorful altars (Ofrendas), music and traditional foods, and it will feature face painting by Arts in Medicine and songs by the Community Health Choir on Thursday, October 30th, from 2:30-4:30 PM EAD 255.
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