About

The National Medical Association is committed to: 1) preventing the diseases, disabilities, and adverse health conditions that disproportionately or differentially impact persons of African descent and underserved populations; 2) supporting efforts that improve the quality and availability of health care to underserved populations; and 3) increasing the representation, preservation and contribution(s) of persons of African descent in medicine.

Founded in 1895, the (NMA; www.nmanet.org) is a 501(c) (3) national professional and scientific organization representing the interests of more than 30,000 African American physicians and the patients they serve. The NMA is committed to improving the quality of health among minorities and disadvantaged people through its membership, professional development, community health education, advocacy, research, and partnerships with federal and private agencies.

The members credited with chartering the NMA, were present during the Cotton States and International Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia., Miles V. Lynk, M.D., of Memphis, TN, and Robert F. Boyd, M.D. were the prime moving spirits of the formation of the organization. The two men had invited all professional persons who could be located at the exposition to meet at the First Congregational Church. The group chose as officers; Robert F. Boyd, M.D., of Nashville, TN, who served as its first president; Daniel Hale Williams, M.D., from Chicago, vice president; Daniel L. Martin, M.D., of Nashville, TN, secretary; David H. C. Scott, M.D., Montgomery, AL, treasurer; and H. R. Butler, M.D., Atlanta, GA, chairman of the executive committee., and thus the NMA was born.

Throughout its history the NMA has focused primarily on health issues related to African Americans and medically underserved populations; however, its principles, goals, initiatives and philosophy encompass all ethnic groups. Specifically, the NMA is committed to: 1) preventing the diseases, disabilities, and adverse health conditions that disproportionately or differentially impact persons of African descent and underserved populations; 2) supporting efforts that improve the quality and availability of health care to underserved populations; and 3) increasing the representation, preservation and contribution(s) of persons of African descent in medicine.