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.
NMA’s 126th President, Roger A. Mitchell Jr., MD, and a delegation of NMA physicians convened at Regeneron’s global headquarters for the Regeneron Circle Club Leadership Meeting.
Together, they engaged in meaningful discussions on targeted genomic research and its clinical applications, advancing the conversation on how precision medicine can better serve diverse populations.
The NMA remains committed to fostering partnerships that drive innovation, equity, and excellence in medical research and patient care.
#NMA #Leadership #PrecisionMedicine #GenomicResearch #HealthEquity #Regeneron
🛑 Federal Shutdown Threatens Nutrition Access
The NMA, led by 126th President Roger A. Mitchell, Jr., MD, is deeply concerned that SNAP benefits may not be issued on Nov. 1, putting 42 million people at risk of food insecurity and worsening health outcomes. Food is medicine—ending the shutdown and protecting SNAP is essential to health equity.
READ MORE HERE: http://bit.ly/3J9SceR
#SNAP #EndTheShutdown #FoodIsMedicine #HealthEquity #NMA #MobilizingHealthJustice
🚨 Today is National First Responders Day 🚨
The National Medical Association (NMA) proudly honors the brave men and women who serve on the front lines of emergencies, our healthcare professionals, paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, and police officers who respond with courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication.
Your commitment saves lives, protects communities, and embodies the spirit of service and sacrifice that strengthens our nation every day.
Today, we extend our deepest gratitude to all first responders, including the many NMA physicians and members who answer the call to care in times of crisis. 🙏🏾💙
Thank you for being the first to step forward when others are in need.
#NationalFirstRespondersDay #ThankYouFirstResponders #NMA #HealthEquity #PublicHealth #CommunityCare #MobilizingHealthJustice
🌍 Bridging the Maternal Health Gap: Collaborative Solutions for Maternal Health Disparities
Join us Tuesday, October 28th at 6:30 PM CST for a Complimentary CME Webinar hosted by NMA Regions IV and V.
This powerful discussion will explore innovative, multidisciplinary strategies to advance maternal health equity, reduce disparities, and improve outcomes for African American mothers and infants.
🎙️ Featured Panelists:
• William Greenfield, MD – Medical Director, Family Health, Arkansas Department of Health
• Tiana Montella, MS, RD, LD, CD-L, CLS – Registered Dietitian Supervisor, Franklin County WIC Program
• Janet Reid Hector, Ed.D, RD – Assistant Professor of Healthcare Management & Leadership, Rutgers University – Biomedical and Health Sciences
✨ Attendees will gain insight into clinical care models, nutrition-centered strategies, and community-driven approaches that strengthen maternal and infant health.
📅 Tuesday, October 28th @ 6:30 PM CST
💻 Complimentary CME Webinar
📲 Register today: https://loom.ly/MrlC93w
Let’s work together to close the maternal health gap and #MobilizeHealthJustice for the new America.
#NMA #MaternalHealth #HealthEquity #PublicHealth #BlackMothers #CMEWebinar #MedicalEducation #NMAEvents
The National Medical Association (NMA) is proud to announce the appointment of Martin Hamlette, JD, MHA, as Interim Executive Director.
A respected leader in health equity and social impact, Mr. Hamlette brings decades of experience spanning public policy, workforce development, and population health strategy. Having previously served as NMA’s Executive Director from 2015 to 2022, he returns to guide the Association through another pivotal chapter of growth and advocacy for Black physicians and the communities they serve.
“It is an honor to return to the National Medical Association and serve its members once again during such a pivotal time for our profession and our communities,” Hamlette said. “The NMA has always stood as a beacon for health equity and social justice in medicine, and I am excited to help advance that mission alongside our dedicated leadership, physicians, and partners.”
Read the full announcement here: http://bit.ly/479NKpx
#NMA #Leadership #HealthEquity #BlackPhysicians #HealthcareLeadership #PublicHealth #MedicalCommunity
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.
National Medical Association
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Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Phone: 202-347-1895
Fax: 301-495-0359
