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 126th President, Roger A. Mitchell, Jr., MD is representing the NMA at the 8th Annual Black Economic Forum, part of The Summer Executive Workshop — taking place this week Martha’s Vineyard, August 12–14, 2025.
In recent years, heightened attention has been given to racial inequities across America — yet national data often misses the distinct realities faced by Black communities at the local level. Dr. Mitchell is helping to address these disparities and open up discussions surrounding healthcare, economic empowerment, and innovation.
🔗 Learn more: https://www.summerexecworkshop.com
#NMA126 #BlackEconomicForum #Leadership #Equity #SummerExecWorkshop #MarthasVineyard
Together, We Can End HIV in Our Communities
The NMA was proud to stand alongside Gilead Sciences in Chicago for “The Time Is Now: Let’s End HIV In Our Communities” press briefing, a powerful platform amplifying voices committed to ending the HIV epidemic in Black communities.
Our newly installed 126th President, Roger A Mitchell Jr MD, joined distinguished leaders, including Grammy-winning artist and HIV advocate Raheem DeVaughn, for a candid and vital conversation. Together, they spotlighted the dire disparities: Black Americans accounted for 39% of new HIV diagnoses and 40% of people living with HIV in 2022, while representing just 12% of the U.S. population.
The NMA remains committed to leading this movement, lifting voices, advancing solutions, and centering compassion in healthcare for Black communities.
Read more: http://bit.ly/4loqVlQ
#EndHIV #HIVPrevention #PrEP #HealthEquity #BlackHealthMatters
The National Medical Association, along with seven other respected medical societies, has issued a joint statement in response to being excluded from participating in the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) vaccine review process.
This long-standing process ensures safety, equity, and real-world perspective in vaccine policy. Excluding trusted physician voices compromises both science and public trust.
We call on the Administration to reverse this exclusion to uphold trustworthy, equitable healthcare.
Read more: http://bit.ly/45GRy0F
#VaccineEquity #InclusiveScience #PublicTrust #NMA
Exciting news from the 2025 Mississippi Policy Conference in Tunica!
We’re proud to announce that Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr., the 126th President of the National Medical Association (NMA), is a featured speaker during the event.
Dr. Mitchell is contributing to the critical discussion on Project 2025: Public/Private Response, bringing his expertise in public health, policy, and justice to the forefront.
Don’t miss this powerful conversation shaping the future of health and equity.
#MississippiConference #NMA #RogerMitchellJr #Project2025 #HealthJustice #PolicyMatters #BeTheChange #CBCInstitute
As we observe the 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, your voice is needed, more than ever, to save the access to healthcare that so many people need!
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
