Atlanta, Ga. – Atlanta, Georgia was the birthplace of the National Medical Association (NMA) and the site of the recent 2008 convention. This year’s convention started with a new initiative: “Walk a Mile with a Child.” Doctors, guests, and their children were encouraged to participate in this one-mile walk that concluded with health screenings and exercise demonstrations. This obesity initiative was led by the 108th president of the NMA, Dr. Nelson Adams.
Many nationally recognized figures were present at the opening awards ceremony. Former Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and St. Louis’ own Dr. Michael R. DeBaun received one of four Scroll of Merit Awards.
The surprise guest speaker for the evening was Dr. Howard Dean, chair of the Democratic National Convention. The room exploded when Dr. Dean mentioned the possibility of Barack Obama being the next president of the United States.
One of the yearly highlights of the convention is the Women in Medicine Luncheon. This year was no different. Over 600 guests attended this event, where four outstanding female physicians were honored for their contributions to medicine.
The guest speaker was none other than Phylicia Rashad. Ms. Rashad, best known for her role as Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show, spoke of her concern about African-American women. “Today, women have gone a strange way; where the women go, so goes the culture,” stated Ms. Rashad.
The scientific sessions of this year’s convention were simply outstanding. Experts from across the country gathered to discuss various topics such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the obesity epidemic and global health awareness. Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of the CDC’s National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention, reported that the CDC and the NMA are partnering to promote HIV testing and raise awareness among doctors in the African-American community.
The 109th president was also installed during this convention. Dr. Carolyn Barley Britton, an associate professor of Clinical Neurology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, stated her goals during her administration would be to move toward a cultural competency curriculum, implement initiatives to improve medical workforce diversity, and continue the current initiatives of the NMA.
A rededication ceremony concluded the installation ceremony. In unison, doctors stood and recited the Oath of Imhotep.
Several St. Louis-based physicians attended this year’s convention and provided leadership in various ways. Dr. Jacquelyn Garrett and Dr. Consuelo Wilkins (St. Louis American health editor) gave lectures during symposia, Dr. Larry Jones moderated a panel session, and others served as delegates to the NMA’s governing body, the House of Delegates.
Past national presidents Dr. Nathaniel Murdock and Dr. James Whittico were also in attendance.
The National Medical Association is the national organization of African-American physicians and was founded in 1895. Mound City Medical Forum is the local and state society of the NMA and was founded in St. Louis in 1920.
Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D., is president of Mound City Medical Forum.
