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.
The National Medical Association is raising urgent awareness on intimate partner violence and firearm-related harm as a critical public health crisis impacting our communities.
This issue demands action, advocacy, and solutions that protect lives and advance health equity.
🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/4tzFQhK
#NMA #PublicHealth #HealthEquity #EndViolence #HealthcareJustice #CommunityHealth
Ready to lead with confidence and run effective meetings? Join the National Medical Association for an exclusive members-only workshop designed to strengthen your leadership and governance skills.
Mastering the Meeting: Parliamentary Procedures Workshop will provide practical tools to help you navigate motions, discussions, and decision-making with clarity and professionalism.
April 29, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET
Featuring:
✨ Melanie Hanna-Johnson, MD, MHSA, FACP – NMA Speaker of the House
✨ Beverly Fields, Esq., PRP – Parliamentarian
Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your skills and elevate your impact within the NMA and beyond.
🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/4cMG3Iw
#NMA #LeadershipDevelopment #ParliamentaryProcedure #ProfessionalDevelopment #PhysicianLeadership #NMACommunity
Join the National Medical Association and 126th President Roger A. Mitchell Jr. as he breaks down what healthcare leaders, medical schools, and hospitals need to know about DEI investigations and evolving federal oversight.
Tonight | April 20, 2026
Streaming LIVE at 6:40 PM ET
This is a must-watch discussion for anyone navigating today’s healthcare and policy landscape.
▶️ Watch live: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoyreidshow
Be informed. Be prepared. Be part of the conversation.
#NMA #HealthcareLeadership #DEI #HealthPolicy #MedicalEducation #HealthcareEquity #LiveWebinar
April is National Minority Health Month, a time to raise awareness, drive action, and reaffirm our commitment to health equity for all.
The National Medical Association has long stood at the forefront of addressing health disparities impacting underserved and historically marginalized communities. While progress has been made, significant gaps in access, outcomes, and quality of care still exist, and the work continues.
This month, we call on our physicians, partners, and communities to:
✔️ Advocate for equitable healthcare policies
✔️ Support culturally competent care
✔️ Address social determinants of health
✔️ Empower patients through education and access
Together, we can build a future where quality healthcare is not a privilege, but a right for every individual.
#NationalMinorityHealthMonth #HealthEquity #NMA #HealthcareJustice #ClosingTheGap #EquityInHealth #MinorityHealth #WeAreTheLegends
Physician infertility is a topic that often goes unspoken, but tonight, we’re creating space for transparency, education, and support. Hear from an incredible panel of experts and professionals as they share insights, experiences, and resources in a powerful discussion.
Tonight, April 20, 2026
7:00 – 8:30 PM ET
Whether you’re a physician, healthcare professional, or simply interested in learning more, this conversation is for you.
Register now: https://bit.ly/4chM66q
Let’s come together, learn, and support one another. Don’t miss it.
#NMA #CCWP #PhysicianWellness #InfertilityAwareness #WomenInMedicine #HealthcareEquity #MedicalCommunity #WellnessMatters
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
1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 800
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Phone: 202-347-1895
Fax: 301-495-0359
