Dr. Melissa Ann Walker is a family medicine physician and the owner and founder of Carol Clinic for Family-Centered Healthcare in San Antonio, Texas. Carol Clinic is named for her late mother, Mrs. Carol Williams Walker. Dr. Walker’s mother suffered a stroke at the age of 53 and was hospitalized for greater than two years before her death. After her mother’s death, Dr. Walker’s initial desire to become a physician was reignited. She had previously placed her pursuit of medicine on hold to complete her graduate studies. After completing medical school and residency training, Dr. Walker returned to San Antonio to open the Carol Clinic. This name is also an acronym: C – Care, A– Attention, R– Respect, O– Oneness, and L – Loyalty. She believes these and so many other attributes were possessed by her mother. Dr. Walker strives to exemplify the same in the care of her patients.
Growing up in rural Louisiana, she saw firsthand the disparities in healthcare and the seeming lack of care shown by people of her community when it came to their health. Dr. Walker believes that the lack of education, not the lack of care, is the leading cause of her mother’s death and the poor outcomes of so many. She has made it her mission to provide education to not only her patients, but to the entire world. She travels both nationally and internationally providing care and education. Along with a team of twelve nurses, she journeyed with Destiny Ministries to Southern Africa and Botswana. While there, Dr. Walker and the nurses held medical clinics in the rural villages of Botswana. For her work, she received a personal note of recognition from the late Bishop Sarah Davis of the African American Episcopal Church. As an ambassador for the American Stroke Association’s Power to End Stroke campaign, Dr. Walker has traveled across the country doing talks on stroke prevention. She was the featured speaker for the San Antonio ASA’s concert featuring Kirk Franklin. Dr. Walker was also chosen to address the Congressional Black Caucus in Austin, Texas. For her work with the American Heart Association, she was the recipient of the J. Kent Trinkle Physician Volunteer of the Year. Specifically, for her work with the American Stroke Association, she was awarded the ASA’s Visionary Award. This award is given to an ambassador who has done the most to educate others and promote the cause of stroke prevention. Dr. Walker has appeared on Trinity Broadcasting Network’s (TBN)”Doctor to Doctor” show. Two of her segments on Colon Cancer and Diabetes brought many letters and emails from viewers across the Nation. She was also featured in San Antonio Medicine Magazine’s “A Day in the Life.”
Dr. Walker is the Founder of a caregivers’ conference called “Heal the Healer San Antonio.” This one-day symposium targets both formal and informal caregivers. This role Dr. Walker knows all too well; having been a caregiver for both her parents during their illnesses.
NMA Spotlight: Executive Director Joy D. Calloway at the State of Black Health!
The National Medical Association (NMA) proudly recognizes our Executive Director, Joy D. Calloway, as she continues to lead the charge in advancing health equity. Seen here at the State of Black Health: What Now? event, she represents NMA’s unwavering commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and advocating for meaningful change in Black communities.
With a passion for leadership, advocacy, and impact, Joy Calloway is a driving force behind NMA’s mission to uplift, empower, and champion policies that improve health outcomes for African Americans nationwide.
💡 Let’s keep the conversation going! What steps do you think are most crucial in the fight for health equity? Drop your thoughts below! 👇🏾
#NMALeadership #HealthEquity #BlackHealthMatters #StateOfBlackHealth #JoyCalloway #AdvocacyInAction
The National Medical Association (NMA) proudly congratulates Dr. Caine on being honored for remarkable achievements and contributions to the medical field at the HFAS African Diasporic Art Show—the largest traveling art exhibition of its kind in the U.S.!
This prestigious event recognizes the powerful intersection of art and healing, celebrating leaders dedicated to improving lives and advancing wellness in the African American community.
Join us in honoring Dr. Caine’s legacy of impact and innovation in medicine! 👏🏾✨
#NMAHonors #HealthcareExcellence #HFAS2025 #ArtAndHealing #BlackExcellence
Celebrating Women’s History Month with the NMA!
This March, the National Medical Association (NMA) honors the extraordinary women in medicine and healthcare who have paved the way for progress, equity, and innovation. From groundbreaking physicians and researchers to tireless advocates for health justice, women have been at the forefront of shaping a healthier future for all.
Join us as we celebrate their achievements, amplify their voices, and continue the work toward a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.
Tag a woman in medicine who inspires you! 💜
#WomensHistoryMonth #NMA #WomenInMedicine #HealthEquity
🚨 The Time to Act is NOW! 🚨
The National Medical Association (NMA) is calling all healthcare advocates to join us at the 2025 National Colloquium on African American Health—March 27–30 in Washington, DC! 🏛️✨
💡 Why Attend?
This is more than just a conference—it’s a movement! The Colloquium is your chance to advocate for policies that directly impact African American health and drive real change in healthcare equity.
🛑 Important Deadlines 🛑
✔ Hill Day Registration Deadline: March 1 – Make sure to check the Hill Day box when registering!
✔ Colloquium Registration Closes: March 14 – Don’t wait, secure your spot today!
📽️ Want more details? Watch the NMA video from NMA 125th President, Dr. Virginia Caine, and Christina Epperson, NMA Health Policy Manager to learn why this event is a game-changer! 🎥👀
🔗 Register now on our website and be the change we need! #NMAColloquium2025 #HealthcareEquity #HillDay #AdvocateForChange
The NMA 2025 Colloquium is fast approaching, and we encourage you to secure your accommodations before the room block deadline on March 3, 2025!
Hotel: Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill
Address: 525 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Special Rate: $289 per night (must be registered and booked by March 3, 2025, to receive this rate). After this date, the room rate will increase to $500
Rooms are filling fast! Don’t miss your chance to stay at the host hotel and be at the center of the action.
🔗 How to Reserve: The hotel booking link is included in your confirmation email upon registration to the Colloquium here: https://bitl.to/43kS
Act now to lock in your stay before the deadline!
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
