PAs for Latino Health Empowers Communities
From mentoring future providers to hiking rural mountain paths for patient visits, the members of Physician Associates for Latino Health (PALH) live out their mission to improve health care access and equity in Latino/a and underserved communities.
Founded to champion equity, diversity and inclusion in the health care workforce, PALH’s work extends far beyond its 400-plus members nationwide.
As National Hispanic American Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15) celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of U.S. Latino communities, PALH honors this legacy by uniting service, advocacy and cultural pride for a healthier future.
“We engage with underrepresented communities, advocate for equitable access to resources, and support aspiring and practicing PAs from all walks of life,” said LT José Fernández, MPAS, PA-C, PALH President. “By doing so, we bridge health care disparities and create an inclusive environment for providers and patients alike.”
PALH’s advocacy ranges from improving care access in Hispanic communities to advancing PA practice autonomy and increasing workforce diversity.
The group actively engages policymakers at national and state levels, including sponsoring students to attend conferences like the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Leadership and Advocacy Summit.
(Photo: José Fernández, MPAS, PA-C)