History

Our Hispanic American Association was founded in New Orleans, in 1989 by a group of
local physicians. The Original Board of Directors was composed of Doctors:

• Raul Llanos
• Juan Escarfuller
• Gustavo Colon
• Luis Bogran
• Raul Rodriguez
• Alejandro Penzo

It was created as a nonprofit organization with the desire of uniting the Hispanic
American medical community in a group that would allow us to know each other better,
and to be helpful in the coordination of programs for the benefit of its members and
the community as a whole.

The membership is composed of physicians including those in training (residents and
fellows), medical students and other health professionals.

The association conducts regular medical conferences of general interest to the
membership. Numerous medical specialties are represented as well as individuals in
private practice, academic medicine, research scientists, and in administration.

HAMAL has developed projects for the Hispanic Community’s Health Education such as a
televised series in the Spanish language.

A successful Radio Program in Radio Tropical has been conducted. Two HAMAL
physicians (Drs. S. Botero and J. Gershanik) alternate as coordinators and interview
guests who are specialized health care providers. The program is interactive with
audience participation through questions and answers.

HAMAL has participated in Health Fairs. We have been involved with the Archidiocesis
of New Orleans and the Daughters of Charity in the Latin Health Access Network
(LHAN) in a substantial effort to improve the Latin community’s health, specially
directed to the uninsured and undeserved.

The HAMAL Auxiliary has been in existence since the beginning of HAMAL. It was
created to unite the members’ spouses. The organizer and first President was Mrs.
Manina Ducos. The new president is Mrs. Ingrid Rodriguez. The group is very active
with defined social goals that includes the desire to maintain the Spanish language
among their members and participate in programs that will improve the local Latin
community.

You are encouraged to join these organizations.

Presidents of HAMAL: