Please request a professional headshot and CV from your nominees!! Please make sure your nominees are in attendance at the 2026 LMSA National Conference Gala in Houston, TX on September 19th, 2026. DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2026

This award recognizes a medical student who exemplifies the spirit of unity through intentional inclusivity and community building. The recipient has gone above and beyond to create spaces where every voice is valued and every person feels they belong. By fostering collaboration, celebrating diversity, and building bridges across communities, this individual embodies LMSA’s vision of a more united and equitable future in medicine.

This award celebrates a medical student whose selfless commitment to others exemplifies the true meaning of service. The recipient has dedicated their time, energy, and skills to uplifting communities in need, often putting the well-being of others before their own. Through volunteerism, outreach, and acts of compassion, this individual demonstrates that the heart of medicine begins with altruism in action.

This award honors a medical student who has gone above and beyond in guiding, supporting, and empowering their peers. The recipient embodies the spirit of mentorship by sharing knowledge, offering encouragement, and opening doors for others to succeed. Through their dedication, they strengthen the pipeline of future Latino physicians and remind us that true leadership is measured not only by personal achievement, but by the legacy built through uplifting others.

This award honors a medical student who has gone above and beyond in making health knowledge accessible to the public. The recipient has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to break down complex medical issues into clear, relatable messages, empowering patients and communities to take charge of their own health. Whether through workshops, social media, community events, or one-on-one conversations, this individual embodies LMSA’s mission to increase awareness of critical health issues and uplift underserved voices through education.

This award honors a medical student who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing equity and justice in medicine. The recipient has worked tirelessly to challenge systemic barriers, amplify marginalized voices, and advocate for meaningful change in healthcare and beyond. Their leadership reflects the core values of LMSA and reminds us that true progress is built on courage, compassion, and the pursuit of social justice.

Each year, LMSA National presents the Dr. Phil DeChavez Mentor of the Year Award to honor a physician, faculty member, or other professional who has provided exceptional mentorship and support to members of the organization. While nominees are not required to be mentors on a national scale, they must exhibit the qualities exemplified by Dr. DeChavez, including compassion, dedication, selflessness, a commitment to reducing health disparities in U.S. LHS+ communities, increasing the representation of LHS+-identified individuals in medicine, and a passion for shaping the next generation of medical leaders. Further information about the award and its namesake can be found here: https://national.lmsa.net/resources/awards/mentor-of-the-year/

Nominations must be submitted by students only. Please submit no later than Thursday, September 1st, 2026 at 11:59PM CST.