It’s mid-summer so I am on my yearly trek to the National Medical Association’s (NMA) Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly. For me, it has become an important part of my career and personal life. It is an opportunity to for me to combine several activities that are critical in my life. This is the only meeting in which I can further my medical and scientific knowledge, participate in important policy discussions that shape approaches to health reform and health disparities and reconnect with mentors and role models who have been significant in shaping my career choices.
In many ways, the NMA’s annual meeting is like the ‘all-star’ conference for African American physicians. On the first day of the conference, past and current leaders of the NMA met to discuss the organization’s focus and key issues affecting minority patients and physicians. Among those attending the Past President’s Council meeting were Dr. Vivian Pinn (one of my medical school professors) who was the first woman to be President of the NMA, and St. Louis’ own Dr. James Whittico, the oldest living President of the NMA and still one of the NMA’s most respected advisors.
The convention’s opening ceremony was an opportunity to hear Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, M.D., M.B.A address our organization and discuss her vision for America. Earlier this year, Dr. Benjamin released the ‘Surgeon General’s Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation.’ The audience was very excited about her speech and gave resounding applause throughout her address. Regarding health reform, Dr. Benjamin remarked that ‘We hope to move this system of health care from one that treats sick to one that is based on wellness interventions.’ She said that one of the first signs we will see towards this movement will come September 23 when insurance companies will no longer be able to charge a co-payment for many preventive services such as pap smears and mammograms.
Throughout the conference, the theme continues to be ‘eliminating health disparities.’ Despite the recent health care reform legislation and multiple efforts to address inequities in health outcomes, the United States continues to much worse health in African Americans and other minorities. The convention program continues to emphasize the need for physicians who care for minority patients and medically underserved communities to be the voices of those patients. Without strong advocates, our patients will continue to be overlooked, undiagnosed, mismanaged, and uninformed.
One of the most powerful messages was printed in the convention daily news. There were photographs of two young women who appeared to be similar in age. Both were attractive and healthy appearing. The physical characteristics of the first appeared as if she could be African American, Native American, Latina, or biracial. The second appeared to be of European descent. The caption below the photos read – “We are trying to treat Maria, so why are we only testing medications on Mary?”
Of course as a physician researcher, I am always advocating for more representation of minorities in clinical trials but this visual message really seemed to speak volumes. We must be aware of the importance of inclusion in areas of healthcare and medicine. Not just clinical trials and research, but also in health reform discussions, increasing the diversity of the health care workforce, and improving access to health care.
After just a few days of the convention, I am already re-energized and recommitting myself to my professional goal- “To do my best to improve the quality and availability of health care to all.”
