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.
ICYMI: If you missed this morning’s live segment on Good Day Chicago – FOX 32, we’ve got you covered!
Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr. kicked off Day 1 of his term as the 126th President of the NMA with a powerful interview highlighting:
* Persistent Black health disparities
* The NMA’s mission to drive equity in healthcare
* The urgent need for leadership in a time of public health uncertainty
At a moment when access to care is under threat, the NMA’s voice, advocacy, and purpose-driven leadership are more vital than ever.
Watch now and hear how Dr. Mitchell plans to lead the charge toward a more just and equitable healthcare future: 🔗 https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/1679076 or visit our link in bio.
#NMA2025 #DrRogerMitchell #GoodDayChicago #BlackDoctorsLead #HealthEquity #TheNewReconstruction #PublicHealthJustice #PurposeDrivenLeadership #NMAPresident #NMAChicago25 @rmitch_jr
TUNE IN LIVE – TODAY at 9:20 AM CT!
Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr., the newly inducted 126th President of the NMA, will be LIVE on Good Day Chicago – FOX 32 this morning!
He’ll be discussing:
* The NMA Convention in Chicago
* Black health disparities & physician shortage
* How policy impacts healthcare equity
* What the NMA is doing to create lasting change
Watch live: https://www.fox32chicago.com
#NMA2025 #GoodDayChicago #DrRogerMitchell #BlackDoctorsLead #HealthEquity #BreatheEasy #TheNewReconstruction #NMAChicago25 #HealthcareJustice
The NMA proudly welcomes Roger A. Mitchell, Jr., MD as our 126th President during the 2025 Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly!
Dr. Mitchell succeeds Dr. Virginia A. Caine and brings visionary leadership under the theme: “The New Reconstruction: Mobilizing Healthcare Justice for a New America – Our Patients, Providers, and Policy.”
President of Howard University Hospital, renowned forensic pathologist, published author, and public health advocate, Dr. Mitchell is committed to advancing health equity and justice for Black communities across the country.
READ MORE: http://bit.ly/4meLAd3
Join us as we embark on a transformative year for the NMA and the future of medicine.
#NMA2025 #BlackDoctorsLead #HealthEquity #TheNewReconstruction #DrRogerMitchell #NMAPresident #JusticeInHealthcare #NMAChicago #OurPatientsProvidersPolicy #PublicHealthLeadership
We’re proud to share a powerful message from NMA President-Elect Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr., "The New Reconstruction: Mobilizing Healthcare Justice for a New America, Our Patients, Providers, and Policy.”
Dr. Mitchell calls us to action with a bold vision to reimagine a system that truly serves all. This is more than a talk, it’s a movement.
Watch now and join the fight for equity in care, representation, and policy.
#NMA2025 #HealthcareJustice #NewReconstruction #DrRogerMitchell #EquityInAction #BlackHealthMatters #NMAChicago25
Celebrating Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr., as incoming 126th President of the National Medical Association #NMAChicago25 @rmitch_jr
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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Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Phone: 202-347-1895
Fax: 301-495-0359
