Sandra M. Quezada, MD, MS, Professor of Medicine and Associate Dean for Medical School Admissions at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), has been named a 2026 Maryland Hispanic Leadership Awards honoree by The Daily Record, in partnership with the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and ALPFA Baltimore.

The Maryland Hispanic Leadership Awards recognize Hispanic leaders across the state for professional accomplishment, community involvement, and commitment to mentoring. Honorees are selected across six categories, including health care and higher education.

A graduate of UMSOM Class of 2006, Dr. Quezada has been an advocate for advancing health equity and wellness for people in Baltimore, the State of Maryland and around the world. Dr. Quezada is a professor in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, where her clinical and research practice focuses on delivering high-quality, equitable care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. As Associate Dean for Medical School Admissions, she leads recruitment of a talented and dedicated student body, and she developed the highly popular Medical Spanish course elective. As Associate Dean for Health Strategy and Engagement she advances workforce visibility, educational excellence, community partnership and health access for all.

Her commitment to mentorship and developing future health care professionals has been a consistent part of her work. She previously served as faculty advisor to the Latino Medical Student Association and faculty mentor to students in the Student National Medical Association and the Women in Medicine student interest group.

Dr. Quezada's leadership extends beyond the School of Medicine. She is a National Board Trustee for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and is a Special Section Editor for the journal Gastroenterology. She also serves as Co-Principal Investigator for the NIH-funded AGA FORWARD Program, which provides career development opportunities for early-career gastroenterologists.

Her contributions have earned numerous honors, including the American Gastroenterological Association Distinguished Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the AAMC Northeast Group on Student Affairs Outstanding Service Award, the inaugural UMSOM Dean’s Alumni Award for Diversity and Inclusion, and the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award. She was also selected as a 2025-2026 Fellow of the prestigious Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Program.

Dr. Quezada will be recognized at a celebration on October 7 at Gertrude’s Restaurant at the Baltimore Museum of Art. The event will bring together leaders from across Maryland to recognize the contributions of Hispanic professionals to the state’s economy and culture.