Dr. Edith F. Smith Rayford is the Region III Chair of the National Medical Association and immediate past treasurer for Region III. She completed her chief residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Albert Einstein in Philadelphia, PA. She received her M.D. degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN where she also completed her internship and started residency. Her undergraduate education was at Tougaloo College in MS with scholastic internships at Yale University in New Haven, CT and The National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Her passion for advancement in the business and administration area of medicine inspired her to acquire a physician executive MBA from University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha honor society, a Distinguished Alumni at Meharry and a Hall of Fame Alumni Inductee at Tougaloo College.
Post training, Dr. Smith Rayford decided to return to her home in Mississippi. She has devoted her professional career to community health. She serves as the Director of Central MS Community Health Services Southwest location. She also serves as Section Chief for Woman’s Health Services at Merit Central Hospital in Jackson MS; where she also serves on the Medical Executive Committee. Within the medical community, she is a tireless advocate for the underserved population and enjoys proctoring / attending / mentoring residents and students.
Dr. Smith Rayford is married to Richard Rayford, M.D., Ph.D. (Cardiologist). They have two children: Richard II & Margie (Meharry Medical College 2020 M.D. graduate), a daughter-in-law Simeona and two grandchildren – Richard III and Meona.
❤️ Today, the National Medical Association stands in RED for heart health.
On National Wear Red Day, the NMA is proud to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, and its disproportionate impact on Black communities.
As Black physicians and health leaders, we remain committed to advancing prevention, education, early detection, and equitable access to care so that every community has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life.
Start the conversation. Protect your heart.
#NationalWearRedDay #WearRedDay #HeartHealth #HealthEquity #BlackPhysicians #NMA #HealthyHearts #CommunityHealth #PreventionMatters
Dr. Mitchell on the move again, proudly representing the National Medical Association (NMA) at the 15th Annual The Business of Healthcare Conference at the University of Miami.
Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr., MD continues to elevate the voice and impact of Black physicians while highlighting the importance of the communities we serve and advocate for every day.
Leadership. Representation. Impact.
#NMA #WeAreTheLegend #BlackPhysicians #HealthEquity #BusinessOfHealthcare #PhysicianLeadership #CommunityHealth #HealthcareLeadership #RepresentationMatters
Today, the National Medical Association recognizes World Cancer Day, a moment to stand with patients, families, caregivers, and physicians working every day to prevent, treat, and eliminate cancer disparities.
Cancer does not impact all communities equally. Together, we remain committed to advancing equitable access to prevention, early detection, high-quality care, clinical trials, and lifesaving treatment for all.
At NMA, we will continue to lead with science, advocacy, and compassion, because every life deserves the same chance to survive and thrive.
#WorldCancerDay #NationalMedicalAssociation #NMA #HealthEquity #CancerAwareness #CloseTheCareGap #PhysiciansForEquity
Today, the National Medical Association proudly celebrates National Women Physicians Day, honoring the extraordinary women physicians who lead with excellence, compassion, and courage every day.
On February 3, 2026, we recognize your impact on patients, families, communities, and the future of medicine. Thank you for breaking barriers, advancing health equity, and inspiring the next generation of physicians.
💙 Happy National Women Physicians Day!
#NationalWomenPhysiciansDay #NMA #WomenInMedicine #PhysicianLeaders #HealthEquity #CelebrateWomenPhysicians
The National Medical Association was honored to help kick off Black History Month with an inspiring engagement by our 126th President, Roger A. Mitchell, Jr., MD, at the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Black Professional Network.
We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Black history, leadership, and the continued impact of Black physicians in advancing health equity, then and now.
#BlackHistoryMonth #NMA #RogerMitchellMD #HealthEquity #BlackLeadership #CareFirstBPN
Join a community of over 50,000 dedicated African American physicians and professionals committed to making a positive impact on healthcare. Discover the benefits of NMA membership, access professional development opportunities, and become a part of a network dedicated to advancing health equity.
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