Who is the NMA and why should I join?
Since its inception in 1895, the National Medical Association (NMA) has represented the specific interests and concerns of African-American physicians and their patients. The NMA continues to be the conscience of American medicine by working to end the disparities in health care and to improve the quality of health of minorities. Representing the interests of more than 30,000 African American physicians and the patients they serve, with nearly 129 affiliated societies throughout the nation and U.S. territories, the National Medical Association has been firmly established in a leadership role in medicine.
By joining the NMA you will be amongst friends, colleagues, and peers, who share your interest, concern, and dedication, to the profession. The strength of the association relies on individual members like you, who are committed to making an impact on the field of medicine. The NMA mission is — to be the nation’s voice for parity and justice in medicine and the elimination of disparities in health. Add your voice to the discussion by becoming a member and help NMA increase the representation and recognition of African Americans and other underrepresented minorities in medicine.
The combined resources provided by NMA members are applied to:
- Develop a strenuous program in continuing medical education (CME) to ensure that NMA members remain abreast of rapidly occurring advances across the various medical specialties.
- Conduct the annual NMA Convention and Scientific Assembly. Through the presentation of CME programs at the national and regional conventions as well as at state and local society meetings, NMA members are able to meet Category 1 requirements for the Physician’s Achievement Award of the NMA and the Physician’s Recognition Award of the American Medical Association (AMA). The NMA offers CME programs in 25 specialties — from Aerospace Medicine to Urology. Forty-five (45) of the 50 Category 1 credits required for licensure in 23 states can be earned at the NMA Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly alone! The NMA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to sponsor continuing medical education.
- Advocate for national health policies that improve the quality and availability of health care, particularly to African American and other minority and underserved populations.
- Conduct public education to prevent health problems and promote healthy lifestyles among African American and other minority and underserved populations.
- Support scholarly exchange of scientific and clinical knowledge to identify and facilitate new directions in medicine, through The Journal of the National Medical Association (JNMA), first published in 1909, now has a circulation of more than 25,000. Also, through scientific sessions at the NMA Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly and numerous other programs are offered nationwide on topics of major import to NMA members.
- Promote and support biomedical research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge and treatment of diseases, disabilities and adverse health problems that disproportionately or differentially affect African American and other minority populations.
Join us in our efforts and be a force of change in health care and your community.
To contact the Membership Department, call 1-800-662-0554. Join online or by mailing or faxing.