Dr. Leon McDougle
Candidate for President-Elect
SPECIALTY: Family Medicine
AFFILITATIONS: Region IV
Buckeye State Society, Columbus Ohio NMA
Treasurer of the NMA (2017-2019), Constitution and Bylaws Committee (2017-present)
PREVIOUS NMA POSITIONS: Chair of CAFA (2014-2016) and member (2012-2016), Conference Planning Committee – Family Medicine Section (2008-2011), Nominating Committee (2009-2014), Membership Committee (2012-2014). Health Policy Committee (2012-2014). Chair Aerospace, Military, and Occupational Medicine Section (2012-2014)
LETTER OF INTEREST
Dear Nominating Committee,
Over the past 26 years I have developed a strong track record of collaborative leadership in service to NMA’s mission. My service to the House of Delegates has continued to grow following appointment to serve on the Nominating committee as an alternate in 2009. During my service I worked closely with Chairs to update and bring uniformity to the vetting process, moving away from the 2:00 AM candidate interviews. Other highlights of my service include being asked to serve as Chair of the Committee on Administrative and Financial Affairs {CAFA}. As Chair (2014-2016), my first order of business was creating searchable Constitution and Bylaws including Compendiums to improve efficiency and effectiveness of deliberations. ln addition, CAFA produced the highly collaborative Road Map to Recovery that built upon work done by the Financial Resources Committee (FRC), Treasurers, and the CAFA 2010 report. CAFA also updated the NMA Travel Policy and Conflict of lnterest forrns during my tenure as Chair. Close consultation with the Past Presidents Council was instrumental in the successes experienced as CAFA Chair and will continue in future service to the NMA as President-elect. As Treasurer (2017-2A79), I’ve worked closely with NMA leadership to ensure continued financial stability and long-term growth in support of our mission. For the 5th year in a row (Dec 31, 2O14 – Dec 31, 2018) the NMA has realized a net positive income when comparing unaudited annual revenues against expenditures.
Now the time is right for me to focus outward and nationally on our mission “To advance the art and science of medicine for people of African American descent through education, advocacy, and health policy to promote health and wellness, eliminate health disparities, and sustain physician viability.” As President-elect I will use my professional experience and skills to support President Oliver Brooks to advance the NMA’s mission and national priorities.
Respectfully submitted,
Leon McDougle, MD, MPH
Dr. Rachel Villanueva
Candidate for Speaker of the House
SPECIALTY: Obstetrics & Gynecology
AFFILITATIONS: Region I
Manhattan Central Medical Society
Speaker of the House of Delegates (2018-present)
PREVIOUS NMA POSITIONS: Secretary/Treasurer and Vice-Chair Region I (2014-2018), Vice Speaker and Secretary of NMA (2014-2018), Region I Chair (2012-2013), Chair of BOT (2011-2012), Trustee of BOT (2006-2012), Chair Council on Concerns of Women Physicians (2004-2012)
LETTER OF INTEREST
Though crafted years ago, the mission of the National Medical Association (NMA), “To advance 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”, remains as important now as when it was created. The NMA holds a crucial role in health care advocacy, the elimination of health disparities and promotion of health, and physician viability, and must remain relevant for both physicians and patients. To this end, the work of the NMA requires qualified, motivated and committed individuals in leadership roles. It is for these reasons that I seek to continue my service in a second term in the office of Speaker of the House of Delegates (HOD).
The House of Delegates is the supreme legislative body of the organization with oversight of business and policy, while upholding the Constitution and By-laws. As Secretary, I worked to improve the quality of the minutes and communication with delegates, developed procedures to streamline delegate eligibility verification/registration, and updated policy manuals. As Vice-Speaker, I supported the Speaker in his duties, worked with the Constitution and By-Laws Committee to revise policy manuals and develop of the Constitutional Convention, served on the Strategic Planning committee and, with the Parliamentarian, developed rules of order to improve the efficiency of meetings. As I near the end of this term as Speaker, I have made significant progress towards fulfilling the goals that were set for the year. These include improved efficiency of the meetings by having materials available for review on the private page prior to the meeting and having the Interim run on time, improved functionality by completing HOD committee assignments, encouraged leadership development by having post graduate members assigned to each committee, improved working knowledge of delegates by holding a first-ever parliamentary webinar, increased communication with delegates through letters/memos, and increased utilization of the HOD private page and reorganized its content.
The role of Speaker is not merely to run an efficient meeting. The nuances of this position require an individual well versed in, and able to collaborate in, all aspects of the organization. My years of appointed and elected service at the local, regional and national levels, particularly as Chair of the BOT, make me uniquely prepared and qualified to serve as an effective Speaker. I believe that I have the drive, expertise, passion and commitment to continue to serve as Speaker, and that the work that I have done in the position thus far, supports this statement. There remain some goals left for me to achieve. As Speaker for a second term, I will work to complete these and uphold its longstanding mission, as the NMA continues to address underserved populations and physicians of color.
Dr. Brandi Freeman
Candidate for Vice Speaker
SPECIALTY: Pediatrics
AFFILITATIONS: Region VI
Mile High Medical Society of Colorado
Vice-Speaker of House of Delegates (2018- present), Mile High Medical Society Vice President (2014 – present)
PREVIOUS NMA POSITIONS: Sec. House of Delegates (2016 – 2018), Nominating Committee (2013 – 2016, chair 2014 -2016), Council on Concerns of Women Physicians (Member, 2007 – 2013; Co-Chair 2011 – 2013), Postgraduate Section Chair/Postgraduate Physician Trustee (2009 – 2011), Postgraduate Section Treasurer (2007 – 2008)
LETTER OF INTEREST
It is with great sincerity that I seek the office of Vice Speaker of the House of Delegates (HOD) of the National Medical Association. As the current Vice Speaker of the House of Delegates, I’ve had a year to immerse myself further in the inner workings of the National Medical Association’s HOD. During this time, I have completed updates to the Compendium with actions and polices of the HOD passed in 2016, 2017 and 2018 as outlined in the duties of the Vice Speaker of the HOD. Additionally, I have initiated the development of a process whereby the HOD may be able to retire outdated policies of the House of Delegates in order to make the compendium more manageable. I’ve come to appreciate areas where the HOD and thereby the NMA can be strengthened and its overall efficacy improved. I am seeking the office of Vice Speaker of the House of Delegates so that I can contribute to the overall mission of the NMA by working to improve the functioning of this august body. As Vice Speaker, I will assist the Speaker of the House in the logistical leadership for HOD sessions, but would also continue work to improve the overall operation and performance of the HOD using skills honed within the NMA and other organizations.
My previous NMA leadership experience in addition to Vice Speaker of the HOD has included being Secretary of the House of Delegates, a Trustee (Student and Post-Graduate), Council Co-Chair (CCWP), Section Chair (Post-Graduate), Nominating Committee Member/Chair and Vice-President of my local society. Through these roles I have come to appreciate the diversity of perspectives present within the NMA and the HOD. This unique collection of experiences has uniquely prepared me to serve in the Vice Speaker role where my goals for the House of Delegates would be improved preparation of delegates, streamlining of processes and meetings to allow the HOD to take action instead of being hindered by bureaucracy and supporting the development of future leaders. Additionally, I would seek to further develop and present to the HOD a potential policy related to the compendium work, I’ve initiated this year. It is my hope that as Vice Speaker I can help lead a House of Delegates that is engaged and motivated to see the NMA reach its highest potential.
Dr. Jeffrey Clark
Candidate for Secretary
SPECIALTY: Anesthesia-Critical Care
AFFILITATIONS: Region IV
Wolverine State Medical Association
Secretary NMA HOD (2018 – 2019), NMA BOD Finance Committee (2012-Present), President Wolverine State Medical Association (2006 to present)
PREVIOUS NMA POSITIONS: Chairman Region IV (2009 – 2012), Secretary Region IV (2005 – 2009), Chairman Region IV (2009-2012), NMA Board of Trustees, and NMA Finance Committee Chair (5 years)
LETTER OF INTEREST
Colleagues,
As National Secretary, I would continue to bring to the House of Delegates (HOD) more than 28 years of experience and service with the NMA.
The depth of knowledge obtained through this experience and service impresses me with the importance of the scope of the HOD’s activities. I would work to enhance the efficiency of the HOD, to ensure accurate documentation, to facilitate the flow of information to NMA members, to help keep meetings on agenda and to maintain quality in the meeting’s minutes.
Past and present NMA leadership roles have prepared me to take advantage of the opportunities this position affords NMA’s mission and vision. For over five years, I have supported an initiative in creating a positive NMA financial budget, authored the 2012 Debt Reduction Plan and worked with the Treasurer to develop the ‘Road to Recovery’ Financial Plan. At the 2012 HOD’s request, I served as one of a three-member financial review team selected to oversee the use of investment funds. As Chair of the Finance Committee, I led the committee in selecting a new investment advisor who has increased funds by nearly $400,000 from 2015 – 2018. I’ve been instrumental in identifying and the hiring of a cost-effective very successful convention planner.
My commitment to our NMA includes serving in the past as Chairman of Region IV, Secretary of Region IV, President of Wolverine State Medical Association and as a member of the Board of Trustees for six years. These roles have helped me develop the skill sets needed for visionary leadership in helping our NMA recover financial stability, improve membership and nurture the next generation of young members. As Trustee, I supported SNMA Students to be given a period of free membership and receive NMA pinning upon graduation. Serving as President of Wolverine State Medical Association, I supported membership by installing a new society and re-activating another in the State of Michigan. In the 27 years I’ve been a member of the NMA, I’ve seen much progress and would like to continue my Service with the NMA as Secretary NMA HOD.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey K. Clark, M.D.
Dr. Walter Rayford
Candidate for Trustee Region III
SPECIALTY: Urology
AFFILITATIONS: Region III
Bluff City Medical Society
PREVIOUS NMA POSITIONS: Secretary, Treasurer and Vice Chair Urology Section, President Bluff City Medical Society (2012-Present), Chair of Region III (2015-2017)
LETTER OF INTEREST
This letter serves as an expression of my interest in position of Trustee Region 3 of the National Medical Association. I have been committed to this organization since completion of residency training. I have served in leadership position on the local, regional and national levels. As President of Bluff City Medical Society in Memphis, TN, our chapter was recognized as the Large Chapter of the Year in 2014 and received numerous leadership recognition locally.
Additionally, I have been very active within the Urology section serving as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-Chair, and Chair. In these roles the Urology section produced phenomenal educational programs, worked closely with other sections, enjoyed a strong relationship with many pharmaceutical companies, and were financially responsive and effective. As Chair of Region 3 from 2015-2017 very successful conferences were held each year, Kentucky State Medical Society was reorganized, a regional newsletter was organized, roster of all local chapters was developed, and a medical business conference was added to the Regional meeting. In addition to the leadership roles, I have been a regular presenter of several scientific topics on the local, state, regional, and national level. I have been an invited speaker for Plenary sessions at the national conference and served as a moderator in countless sessions.
Currently, I am President of the Consortium on Disparities of Urologic Conditions (ConDUC) where we are developing the largest registry of African American men with prostate cancer. All of these roles demonstrate my commitment to the National Medical Association and indicate my leadership experience.
Dr. Rene’ Settle-Robinson
Candidate for Trustee Region IV
SPECIALTY: Podiatry
AFFILITATIONS: Region IV
Cream City Medical Society
Chair of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Section (2017-Present), Vice President of Region IV (2018-Present), CAFA (Committee on Administrative & Financial Affairs (2016-Present)
PREVIOUS NMA POSITIONS: Secretary Region IV (2014-2018), Nominating Committee (2015) President Cream City Medical Society (2000-2007)
LETTER OF INTEREST
My first time attending an NMA Convention was in the summer of 1977. I met black doctors from all over the country in Los Angeles, California. It was the contacts that I made at that convention that led me into the podiatric profession and continued to mentor me through the years.
I was active as a student and became President of the Student National Podiatric Medical Association. I continue to be active throughout my career. I became the first black female to be residency trained in podiatric surgery in the history of Illinois and was among the first five in the country. I moved to Wisconsin in 1994 and continued to commute to Chicago part time for a couple more years. I became President of Cream City Medical Society in 2000 and continued until 2007. I represented Wisconsin locally, regionally, and nationally.
In 2008, I became the first black member of the Wisconsin licensing Board of Podiatry. I served in that position for four years. I served as secretary of that board and, oddly, my name still appears on licenses this many years later.
I have continued to mentor subsequent Presidents of Cream City Medical Society as I continued my membership in the National Medical Association locally, regionally, and nationally.
I participated in the National Podiatric Medical Association and was responsible for helping to forge the relationship with the National Medical Association, bringing the Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Section to fruition. I have served as Chair of the Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Section for two years.
I have served the National Medical Association regionally as Secretary of Region IV for four years. I have also served as Vice President of Region IV for one year.
Nationally, I have served on the CAFA committee for three years, the Nominating Committee for one year, and the International Affairs Committee recently.
I have participated as a delegate in the House of Delegates representing Wisconsin for the last 15 years or more. I have also attended more than half of all of the Colloquiums.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve this organization, and I am particularly honored with the responsibility of representing the 6 States of Region IV as a Trustee on the Board of Trustees of the National Medical Association.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rene’ Settle-Robinson
Dr. Yolanda Lawson
Candidate for Trustee Region V
SPECIALTY: Obstetrics & Gynecology
AFFILITATIONS: Region V
CV Roman Medical Society
Region V Trustee (2016-Present), Chair Council on the Concerns of Women Physicians (2016-Present)
PREVIOUS NMA POSITIONS: Chair Region V (2014-2016), Chair Audit Committee (2014-2016), Secretary Region V (2012-2014), President CV Roman Medical Society (2014-2016)
LETTER OF INTEREST
Dear Nominating Committee,
I am respectfully submitting a request for nomination to the position of Region V Trustee.
I have currently served in the Region V Trustee role and completed one term and wish to pursue an additional term. I previously held the Region V Chair and Secretary position. I am also the immediate past president of the CV Roman Medical Society, The DFW Chapter of the National Medical Association and have maintained active membership and participation with the NMA at the local, regional and national levels. I am eager to continue promoting and contributing to the work of the National Medical Association and humbly request your consideration for my nomination to the Region V Trustee position.
By engaging with not only the National Medical Association but other organizations in alignment I have the capacity to enhance our regional and national efforts to contribute to the organization.
I look forward to continuing to work for the National Medical Association.
Sincerely yours,
Yolanda Lawson, MD, FACOG
