Five students from Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) have been appointed to prominent leadership positions within the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA), marking a historic first for the university’s representation on both the national and regional executive boards.
LMSA is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering health professional trainees, particularly those who identify as Latino or Hispanic, through mentorship, education and service. LMSA’s broader mission is to improve health outcomes for Latino communities across the United States.
These appointments represent a major milestone for LMU-DCOM and the osteopathic medical community. LMSA leadership roles have traditionally been filled by students from allopathic institutions such as Harvard, Johns Hopkins, UCLA and Yale. Now, LMU-DCOM students are bringing fresh perspectives to national conversations about health care access, advocacy and the future of medical education.
Kimberly Flores, OMS-II, has been elected LMSA National Vice President of Programming for the 2025–2026 term. She will oversee national programs and initiatives, supervise committee chairs and manage major events such as the 2025 LMSA National Conference in Chicago and the annual LMSA Student Advocacy, Leadership, Unity and Diversity Summit at Johns Hopkins University.
"Even before starting medical school, [LMSA] was a place where I found mentors, opportunities, and—most importantly—a real sense of community. Being elected as the LMSA National Vice President of Programming is such an honor, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to give back to an organization that’s given me so much,” Flores said. “I’m proud to bring my passion for rural medicine, osteopathic medicine, and the Southeast regional needs to the national level. I hope to develop programming that highlights osteopathic medicine, fosters mentorship at all stages of medical training, advocacy for medical students as well as their patients, and expand access to research opportunities."
Karen and Karla Viera, OMS-II, have been selected as LMSA National Deputy Chief Technology Officers for the 2025–2026 term. In this role, they will manage the national website, resolve technical issues, and support LMSA’s digital strategy.
"As the proud child of Cuban immigrants, it’s deeply meaningful to be part of an organization that not only reflects my roots but also works to uplift our communities. LMSA empowers us to turn our cultural heritage into a source of strength and advocacy,” Karen Viera shared. “It’s more than an organization. It’s a family with a shared vision for a healthier, more inclusive future. It’s truly an honor for me to serve on the national executive team, contributing to a mission that aligns so closely with my values."
Karla Viera added: "Being part of the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) has given me a strong sense of belonging within a community that shares a deep commitment to increasing Latino representation in medicine. It’s a space rooted in mentorship, advocacy, and service—values that resonate with my own journey. Serving on the national executive board is both a privilege and a responsibility—an opportunity to advocate for our community and work toward a more inclusive and equitable future in health care."
At the regional level, Kevin Diaz and Paula Delgado, OMS-II, have been elected to the LMSA Southeast Executive Board for the 2025–2026 term. The Southeast region includes 13 states and territories, from Tennessee to Puerto Rico.
Diaz will serve as Chief Information Officer, helping streamline communication across local chapters.
"LMSA has been a cornerstone of my medical education as a source of both inspiration and empowerment, connecting me with passionate students locally and across the country,” Diaz explained. “In this role, my goal is to foster unity and reinforce our shared commitment to supporting one another with proper resources and knowledge. The CIO position aligns closely with my passion for advancing both medicine and community health by engaging with Latino and underserved populations throughout the broad Southeast region. With the continued support of LMSA Southeast leadership, I am confident that together we can uplift and empower ambassadors, promoting positive growth within health care and our communities."
Delgado will serve as Chief Financial Officer, helping to manage and grow the region’s fiscal resources.
"As someone who once felt out of place in a rural medical setting, LMSA reminded me that embracing my culture is not only valid, but powerful. Serving as Chief Financial Officer at the Southeast regional level is meaningful to me because it allows me to give back to the organization that has given me so much,” Delgado said. “I aim to support the growth of LMSA Southeast and ensure that future students feel just as empowered and supported as I did during the start of my medical career. This role is more than a title—it's a chance to help shape the future of Latino medical representation and health equity."
These five appointments not only highlight the individual accomplishments of LMU-DCOM students but also underscore the university’s growing presence on the national stage. Through their leadership, these students are helping to shape the future of medicine by bringing attention to the importance of representation, mentorship and advocacy in health care while championing the osteopathic profession at both regional and national levels.
The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, as well as at LMU-Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee, and LMU-DCOM in Orange Park, Florida. LMU-DCOM is an integral part of LMU’s values-based learning community and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians to provide health care in the often-underserved region of Appalachia and beyond. For more information about LMU-DCOM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 7082, email dcom@LMUnet.edu, or visit med.LMUnet.edu.
