Week 1: Honoring James McCune Smith, MD (1813-1865) & the National Black Nurses Association
We're shining a light on James McCune Smith, MD, a physician, abolitionist, and writer. Born in New York City to enslaved parents, Smith's early life was marked by challenges as he faced racial barriers to education. Despite these obstacles, he displayed exceptional intellectual prowess and determination.
In 1837, Smith made history by becoming the first African American to receive a medical degree from the University of Glasgow in Scotland, as racial discrimination in the United States prevented him from pursuing medical studies. After completing his education abroad, he returned to New York City and established the first black-owned and operated pharmacy in the United States.
As a prominent abolitionist, Smith used his medical expertise and literary skills to advocate for the abolition of slavery and equal rights for African Americans. He contributed articles to various publications, addressing issues of racial injustice and advocating for social reform.
Join us in celebrating the life and work of James McCune Smith, MD!
National Black Nurses Association
The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) serves as the voice for Black nurses and diverse populations, ensuring equal access to professional development, promoting educational opportunities, and improving health. NBNA represents 308,000 African American registered nurses, licensed vocational/practical nurses, nursing students and retired nurses from the USA, Eastern Caribbean and Africa. The organization has 114 chartered chapters in 34 states, with each chapter offering unique services to provide health education and screenings to community residents in collaboration with community-based partners, including faith-based organizations, civic, fraternal, hospitals, and schools of nursing.
NBNA is a member of the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition, an advocate for the Know Your Dose Campaign, and a partner of the Health In Hand Foundation.
Week 2: Honoring Louis Wade Sullivan, MD (b. 1933) & the National Dental Association
This week, we're highlighting the work of Louis Wade Sullivan, MD, a physician, educator, and public health advocate, recognized for his significant contributions to medicine and healthcare policy.
Sullivan earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College in 1954 and went on to receive his medical degree from Boston University in 1958. He completed his residency in internal medicine at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center (now NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center). Throughout his career, Sullivan demonstrated a passion for improving healthcare access and addressing health disparities.
In 1975, Sullivan made history by becoming the founding Dean and later President of the Morehouse School of Medicine, where he played a pivotal role in expanding medical education opportunities for underrepresented minorities. His leadership at Morehouse contributed to the diversification of the healthcare workforce and the promotion of health equity.
In 1989, Sullivan became the first African American Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),. During his tenure, Sullivan focused on public health issues, including the fight against tobacco use, efforts to combat childhood immunization disparities, and initiatives to address HIV/AIDS.
Beyond his government service, Sullivan has advocated for preventive medicine and public health education. He has authored numerous articles and books, emphasizing the importance of a holistic and patient-centered approach to healthcare. Sullivan's commitment to improving health outcomes for all, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, has left a lasting impact on the medical community and public health sector.
Join us in celebrating the life and work of Louis Wade Sullivan, MD!
National Dental Association
The National Dental Association (NDA) promotes oral health equity among people of color. NDA harnesses the collective power of its members by advocating for their needs, mentoring dental students of color, and raising the profile of the profession in our communities. The NDA is comprised of 39 state and local chapters throughout the U.S. and Caribbean. Representing more than 30 million Black Americans, it is currently expanding its membership to include oral health care professionals in Africa, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South America, and Latin America. It is also the parent organization of the National Dental Association Foundation, Student National Dental Association, National Dental Hygienists Association, National Dental Assistants Association, the Undergraduate Student National Dental Association, and Auxiliary National Dental Association.
Week 3: Honoring Regina Marcia Benjamin, MD, MBA (b. 1956) & The Association of Black System Health Pharmacists
This week, we are shining a on Regina Marcia Benjamin, MD, MBA, an American physician and public health leader, renowned for her dedication to improving healthcare access and addressing health disparities. Benjamin earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana and received her medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After completing her residency in family medicine at the Medical Center of Central Georgia, she went on to earn her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Tulane University.
In 1990, Dr. Benjamin made history as the first African American woman to be elected to the American Medical Association's Board of Trustees. She has been a strong advocate for primary care and preventive medicine throughout her career. In 1995, she became the first African American woman to be elected as the president of the State of Alabama Medical Association.
In 2009, Benjaman was appointed by President Obama to serve as the 18th Surgeon General of the United States, making her the third woman and first African American woman to serve as Surgeon General. During her tenure, Benjamin focused on promoting preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyles, and addressing public health challenges, including childhood obesity and tobacco use.
In addition to her medical and public health achievements, Benjamin is recognized for her commitment to community service. She founded the Bayou La Batre Rural Health Clinic in Alabama, providing primary care services to the underserved population of the Gulf Coast.
Join us in celebrating the life and work of Regina Marcia Benjamin, MD, MBA!
Association of Black System Health Pharmacists
The Association of Black Health-System Pharmacists (ABHP) strives to represent Black and minority health-system pharmacists and is dedicated to the growth and development of their pharmacy practice in health care facilities. The association provides up-to-date educational programs on minority health issues to help members improve their professional skills and the quality of care they provide in their pharmacy practice. The ABHP serves as a liaison and facilitates communication with other pharmaceutical associations, and organizations concerned with health care.
ABHP is a partner of the Know Your Dose campaign, which promotes the safe use of acetaminophen in collaboration with the Health In Hand Foundation.
Week 4: Honoring Herbert W. Nickens, MD (1947 — 1999) & The National Medical Association
This week, we’re highlighting the work of Herbert W. Nickens, MD, a distinguished American psychiatrist, educator, and advocate for diversity in the medical profession. Nickens earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. His career was marked by a strong commitment to addressing racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare and promoting diversity within the medical community.
In 1977, Dr. Nickens joined the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) as the Vice President for Minority Medical Education, where he was pivotal in developing and implementing initiatives to increase the representation of underrepresented minorities in medical schools and improve healthcare access for marginalized communities.
One of Nickens' significant contributions was his involvement in the creation of the "Project 3000 by 2000" initiative, which sought to increase the enrollment of underrepresented minority students in U.S. medical schools to 3,000 annually by the year 2000. While the goal was not fully realized, the initiative sparked important conversations about diversity in medical education.
In addition to his work at the AAMC, Dr. Nickens served as a faculty member at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, where he contributed to medical education and mentoring.
Nickens received numerous awards and honors for his dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion in healthcare, and his legacy extends beyond his professional achievements, serving as an inspiration for future generations of healthcare professionals to embrace the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the medical field.
Join us in celebrating the life and work of Herbert W. Nickens, MD!
National Medical Association
The National Medical Association (NMA) is the collective voice of African American physicians and the leading force for parity and justice in medicine and the elimination of disparities in health. It is the largest and oldest national organization representing African American physicians and their patients in the United States. The NMA represents the interests of more than 50,000 African American physicians and the patients they serve. NMA is committed to improving the quality of health among minorities and disadvantaged people through its membership, professional development, community health education, advocacy, research and partnerships with federal and private agencies. Throughout its history the National Medical Association has focused primarily on health issues related to African Americans and medically underserved populations; however, its principles, goals, initiatives and philosophy encompass all ethnic groups.