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.
Today we celebrate the leadership, resilience, and impact of women who are shaping the future of medicine and advancing health equity across our communities.
On International Women's Day, the National Medical Association proudly recognizes the extraordinary women physicians, scientists, educators, and healthcare leaders who continue to break barriers, mentor the next generation, and champion equitable care for all.
Women in medicine are not only caring for patients but also leading research, shaping policy, and driving solutions that address health disparities and improve outcomes in underserved communities. Their voices, expertise, and dedication strengthen our profession and inspire future generations of physicians.
Today and every day, the NMA celebrates the women who are advancing medicine, advocating for justice in healthcare, and uplifting communities across the nation.
#InternationalWomensDay #WomenInMedicine #NMA #HealthEquity #WomenLeaders #BlackWomenInMedicine #WeAreTheLegends
Join us for the National Colloquium on African American Health, March 19–22, 2026, at The Morrow Hotel in Washington, DC. This powerful gathering will bring together national leaders, physicians, policymakers, researchers, and advocates to address the most pressing issues impacting the health of African American communities.
Featuring dynamic panels and distinguished speakers, the Colloquium will explore critical topics such as chronic disease, health equity, workforce development, public health policy, artificial intelligence in healthcare, and the future of care delivery.
This is a must-attend event for physicians and healthcare leaders committed to advancing health equity and shaping policies that impact our communities.
Register today and secure your place in these important conversations: https://nmanet.org/colloquium
#NMAColloquium #HealthEquity #AfricanAmericanHealth #HealthcareLeadership #PhysicianAdvocacy
The National Medical Association invites you to join us for the Region III & Region V 2026 Conference, taking place April 10–12, 2026 at the Southern University and A&M College Leon R. Tarver II Cultural & Heritage Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
This dynamic regional conference will bring together physicians, healthcare leaders, and advocates committed to advancing health equity, strengthening physician leadership, and addressing the most pressing issues impacting our communities.
Hosted by Region III Chair Ninita Brown, MD, PhD and Region V Chair Derick Young, MD, the conference will feature engaging discussions, networking opportunities, and meaningful collaboration across the NMA community.
📅 April 10–12, 2026
đź“Ť Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Register today: https://nmaregionv.com/2026conference
#NMA #NMARRegions #HealthEquity #PhysicianLeadership #AfricanAmericanHealth
Today on World Obesity Day, we are reminded that obesity is a complex health issue affecting millions worldwide. Nearly 3 billion people are currently living with overweight or obesity, and that number could reach 4 billion by 2035. Childhood obesity is also rising rapidly, increasing the risk of serious conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers later in life.
At the National Medical Association, we believe addressing obesity requires understanding, prevention, and equitable access to care. Together, we can work toward healthier communities and change the trajectory of this global health challenge.
#WorldObesityDay #HealthEquity #ObesityAwareness #PreventChronicDisease
Today is World Obesity Day, a reminder that obesity is one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time. By 2035, nearly half of the world’s population may be living with overweight or obesity.
Obesity does not occur in isolation. Factors such as poverty, stigma, unequal access to healthcare and education, limited availability of healthy foods, and environments that do not support healthy living all influence outcomes across the life course.
These outcomes are not inevitable. By understanding obesity without stigma, prioritizing prevention early, and ensuring equitable access to care, we can change the trajectory for millions of people around the world.
World Obesity Day is a call to action for all of us. Together, we can change the story of obesity.
#WorldObesityDay #HealthEquity #EndObesityStigma #PreventChronicDisease
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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