MCMS and Arizona Latin-American Medical Association Announce Strategic Partnership to Strengthen the Democracy of Healthcare

Phoenix, AZ — The Maricopa County Medical Society (MCMS) and the Arizona Latin - American Medical Association (ALMA) proudly announce a new strategic partnership that brings together two respected physician organizations with a shared commitment to elevating physician voices, expanding advocacy, and advancing a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system across Arizona.

 

This collaboration represents a powerful alignment of missions uniting MCMS’s long-standing leadership in physician advocacy, policy, and professional development with ALMA’s dedication to supporting Latino physicians and promoting culturally responsive care. Together, MCMS and ALMA will expand opportunities for physicians to lead, influence policy, and shape the future of medicine in Arizona.

 

Founded in 1892, MCMS is Arizona’s oldest and one of its largest medical associations, representing thousands of physicians across Maricopa County and beyond. For more than 134 years, MCMS has served as a trusted advocate for physicians, providing leadership in healthcare policy, education, networking, and professional advancement. The association’s current Board President, Rahul Rishi, DO, continues to lead MCMS in advancing physician advocacy, promoting professional development, fostering networking opportunities, safeguarding independent physicians and private practices, and strengthening leadership across Maricopa County’s medical community.

 

Founded in 1993, the Arizona Latin Medical Association (ALMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting Latino physicians and medical students while advancing health equity and improving outcomes for Arizona’s diverse communities. For more than three decades, ALMA has been led by Adolfo Echeveste, President and CEO, whose visionary leadership has ensured that Latino physicians have a place and a voice at the table in Arizona’s healthcare landscape, fostering mentorship, advocacy, and professional opportunities for Latino medical professionals. The organization’s current Chairman, Pedro Rodriguez Guggiari, MD, continues to build on this legacy, driving initiatives that elevate Latino physician leadership and impact across the state.

 

This partnership reflects a shared belief that a strong, representative physician community leads to better care for patients. Latino physicians play a vital role in addressing health disparities and delivering culturally responsive care, particularly as Latino residents now comprise nearly one-third of Arizona’s population, with the largest concentration in Maricopa County. National workforce estimates suggest approximately 1,000 Latino physicians practice in Arizona, underscoring both the importance and opportunity to support and elevate Latino medical professionals.

 

“By partnering with ALMA, MCMS is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring physician leadership reflects the communities we serve,” said Desire’e Hardge, MBA, CEO of MCMS. “This collaboration strengthens our collective voice, enhances advocacy, and creates meaningful pathways for Latino physicians to lead, engage, and influence healthcare policy.”

 

Through this partnership, MCMS and ALMA will work together to:

• Provide ALMA members full access to MCMS physician member benefits and resources

• Elevate Latino physician visibility, engagement, and leadership across Arizona

• Strengthen coordinated advocacy efforts at the local and state levels

• Support the next generation of Latino physicians and medical students

• Advance an inclusive, equitable, and patient-centered healthcare system

 

MCMS is honored to partner with the Arizona Latin Medical Association and looks forward to a strong, enduring collaboration that benefits physicians, patients, and communities throughout Arizona.

 

About MCMS:

MCMS is Arizona oldest and most esteemed medical association. Since 1892, MCMS has remained steadfast and committed to supporting physicians across the county and state. MCMS continues to help forge connections between physicians, dignitaries, community leaders, and businesses through partnerships.

Maricopa County Medical Society: A strong, collective physician voice.

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Media Contact:

​Edward Araujo, Director of Marketing & Communications for the Maricopa County Medical Society (MCMS), (602) 417-2303 or email at earaujo@mcmsonline.com.