Unity with Action: Reflecting on NHMA 2026 and the Path to Holistic Health Access
Dr. Nereida Correa, Bert E Johansson MD, PhD FAAP, Saida Selene Espinoza, LEDC Board Member and Dr. Arturo Aceves Gonzalez at the 2026 NHMA Conference
The National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) 2026 Conference was more than a gathering; it was a profound reminder of the power of our comunidad. It served as a vital space to celebrate tremendously accomplished Latino physicians, who currently make up approximately 6% of the physicians in the country. Standing among these leaders and being recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree was deeply humbling. More importantly, this conference was a place for recognition and connection, a space to share our efforts, to remind ourselves that we are not alone in this work, and to reinforce the truth that unity with action creates transformational change.
A Journey Built on Community Proximity
Looking back over the seven years I’ve lived in this state, my journey has been grounded in the very communities we strive to serve. From working as a janitor and a Lyft driver, to stepping in as the Spanish interpreter for Governor Ricketts during the peak of the pandemic, my path took me directly into our neighborhoods through Healthy Housing. In that role, I led three critical public health initiatives focused on safe living environments. Serving as a certified Radon Inspector and Lead Inspector Risk Assessor, I drove programs centered on radon mitigation, lead poisoning prevention, and a holistic asthma initiative. Transitioning from there to leading language accessibility practices, every role has reinforced my commitment to systemic change.
Today, as the Head of Health Access and Economic Opportunity, I recently had the distinct privilege of leading the Health Fair for one of the Midwest's most vibrant celebrations: Omaha’s Cinco de Mayo. With over 200,000 people attending the festival from across six states, the magnitude of this platform became clear. If there is a way to conduct meaningful outreach to our comunidad, this is it. Events of this scale are essential for creating an organic connection, bridging the gap between everyone in our city and the vital organizations and initiatives working on their behalf. By bringing health resources directly into spaces of celebration, we meet people where they are and truly maximize our impact.
Moving from Survival to Thriving
In our current roles, we are pushing for more than just economic mobility; we are building true sustainability. Understanding Social Determinants of Health is crucial for developing holistic, innovative initiatives that ensure the genuine well-being of our entire city.
By utilizing an asset-based approach, we recognize the inherent strengths within our neighborhoods. When we create pathways, we do more than tackle a singular issue, we pave the road necessary for everyone to move from survival to thriving. Our mission is to break the cycle of poverty, build generational wealth, and ensure that the programs and services across our city truly reach and connect with everyone.
Legislative Solutions to the Physician Shortage
Transformational change requires policy action. During this past short legislative session, we saw the successful passage of LB1212. This crucial legislation facilitates a pathway for Internationally Trained Physicians to practice, avoiding unnecessary duplication in their training while leveraging the highly skilled workforce already residing in our state. This is especially vital for the 14 out of our 93 counties that currently lack a primary care provider.
But we did not stop there. We are actively championing a federal solution: the bicameral Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025.
During the NHMA conference, I had the privilege of representing not just my own voice, but the voices of International Medical Graduates and constituents, particularly those in rural areas, who are most affected by these policies. Health access shouldn't be a privilege; it must be a right. The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a physician shortage of 86,000 by 2036. By increasing Medicare-supported residency slots by 14,000 by 2032, we are actively mitigating this crisis. As our population ages and commodities increase, proactively planning for the needs of our communities is not just necessary, it is critical.
A Call to Conscious Leadership
Systemic change happens when we are deeply aware of the diverse efforts, organizations, and initiatives poured into our communities. As leaders, it is our duty to promote and safeguard the well-being of every member of our society. You do not need to be a part of an afflicted community to identify injustice. If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the issue.
This is where my call to action for you begins.
We have World Refugee Day approaching, an event I am honored to chair on a voluntary basis for the second year.
When: June 20th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Where: The Joslyn
There is no better venue to celebrate the immense diversity our neighbors bring to our community. Please share this opportunity with your loved ones. Come create proximity, and make belonging an active practice, not an afterthought. Expand your perspective, your palate, and your cultural awareness.
We need conscious leaders. Be part of the movement.
In solidarity and in health,
