The Society of Latinos was established during the 2002-2003 academic year for the purpose of unifying and providing support for both Latino medical students and all other students interested in participating in the Latino community. Additionally, SOL seeks to inform the student body and encourage participation in educational opportunities that further clinical training, Spanish-speaking skills and understanding healthcare disparities in the Latino community. SOL's first project was establishing a smoking cessation program for Spanish speakers. Dr. Oscar Claros, the founder of "Un Despertar Saludable" (A Healthy Awakening) in Washington DC provided the training for SOL members and community friends. SOL then held the first sessions in the summer with help from the Indiana Latino Institute. This program is on-going and qualifies as fulfillment of competency level III in communication and/or social/community context awareness. SOL is affiliated with the National Network of Latin American Students (NNL-AMS), both through its regional and national memberships. In March 2003, several students attended the regional conference in Chicago which was a great opportunity to share and learn about the medical education process and Latino health, and to network with other students physicians. In 2004, the NNL-AMS Midwest conference was held on this campus and symbolized efforts to celebrate diversity and become more culturally competent as health care professionals. Other SOL activities include collaboration with other student organization projects like health fairs, Diversity Week, and Doctors Back to School Program. SOL also networks with the IUPUI campus to reach undergraduate students, MSMS, and PhD students and faculty who may be interested in SOL. Any student is invited to attend the meetings held throughout the year and to participate in the various activities planned.
President: Mike Guzman mjguzman@iupui.edu
Vice-president: Lindsey Hickman lirhickm@iupui.edu
Treasurer: Laura Kruter lkruter@iupui.edu
Secretary: Alexis Vargas ayvargas@iupui.edu
Community Service: Laura Sech lsech@iupui.edu
Social: Carrie Rouse cerouse@iupui.edu
Fundraising: John Gallien gallien@iupui.edu
Faculty Advisor: Javier Sevilla, M.D. jsevilla@iupui.edu
