Black Doctors Work To Eliminate Nation’s Health Disparities

The National Medical Association, which represents hundreds of African American physicians and medical researchers , held its annual conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, and trained the spotlight on health equity.

Dr. Garfield Clunie, president of NMA, said, “This year’s programming will reflect our strategies and solutions dedicated to our mission of advancing the art and science of medicine for people of African descent through education, advocacy, and health policy to promote health and wellness, eliminate health disparities, and sustain physician viability.”

The slate of workshops, presentations and meetings will continue through Wednesday, Aug. 2. Attendees are applauding the opportunities to discuss the need for more equity in their profession and the affect of the nation’s politics on health care for Black Americans.

Dr. Amber Dobyne is an OB/GYN in Houston.

“Abortion bans inhibit the way way we can provide the appropriate care for women based on what the state says you can do, legally, which puts a mom’s overall health and well-being in jeopardy,” Dr. Dobyne explained.

Rev. Dr. Frederick Haynes III, who is Rev. Jesse Jackson’s successor at the Rainbow Push Coalition, delivered a rousing call to action, urging the physicians to utilize their platforms to lift underserved communities.

He said, “I exhort you to go ahead and say to health disparity in this nation, say to systems of injustice, ‘I’m not satisfied, and I will not be satisfied until justice rolls down as water and righteousness like an over flowing stream.’”

Numerous awards were presented during Saturday night’s opening ceremony.

The Scroll of Merit Awardees were Dr. Valerie Montgomery-Rice, Dr. Kristin Bibbins-Domingo and Thomas A. LaVeist.

Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick received the W. Montage Cobb-Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Arkansas Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association was awarded the Small Society of the Year.

Cook County Physicians Association was named Large Society of the Year.

Dr. Bonnie Simpson Mason accepted the Distinguished Service award.