NMA Inaugurates New President During 122nd Annual Convention
(NEW YORK – Aug. 6, 2024) The National Medical Association (NMA) induced its 125th president during its 122nd Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly. Virginia Caine, MD, is now filling the role behind the NMA’s previous president, Yolanda Lawson, MD, who has made significant contributions to the organization’s success. Dr. Caine’s theme for her presidency is “Transforming Population Health: The Promise of Health Equity Across Therapeutic Areas to Improve Quality and Span of Life.” This new appointment embraces the NMA’s long-standing dedication and commitment to improving the health outcomes of Black patients in the U.S. The ceremonial installation took place at the New York Hilton Midtown.
Based in Indianapolis, Dr. Virginia Caine is the Director and Chief Medical Officer of the Marion County Public Health Department and is the Associate Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine. She specializes in infectious diseases including HIV, skin and soft tissue infections, sepsis and more. With her expertise, Dr. Caine anticipates improving the patient care experience, expanding the Black health care workforce and focusing on health initiatives aimed at controlling and eradicating illness and disease that disproportionately threaten the lives of Black Americans.
“I am most honored and humbled to serve as the 125th president of the National Medical Association. The historically sustained impediments to health equity remain and are at a heightened crisis point,” Dr. Caine said in a statement.
“We must lead the continued fight against inequities in public health policies, public-funded private delivery methods and financing that impact the access and quality of care, and specialized medical education that ensures a diverse healthcare workforce.”
The theme for this year’s convention was “The Quest for Health Care Transformation,” an occasion that spotlighted key disparities impacting underrepresented communities, with an emphasis on women’s health, digital innovation and the state of the health care workforce. Dr. Caine is committed to addressing these inequities and aims to achieve new heights within the organization under her leadership.
“Because it is critical to promote patient-centric care during my presidential year, I am committed to working on actionable solutions that address the clinical, financial, and systemic challenges facing Black physicians and medical students,” Dr. Caine said.
About the National Medical Association:
The NMA is the nation’s oldest and largest organization representing Black physicians and
health professionals in the U.S. and promotes the collective interests of physicians and patients of African descent. We serve as the voice of Black physicians and a leading voice for parity in
medicine, elimination of health disparities and promotion of optimal health. To learn more about the NMA, please visit https://www.nmanet.org/.
