Women’s Health and Equity Expert Takes the Helm of Nation’s Oldest and Largest Organization for Black Doctors
August 3, 2022
New York – The National Medical Association (NMA), the nation’s oldest and largest organization representing African American physicians and the patients they serve, installed Dr. Garfield Clunie as its 123rd president. Dr. Clunie is a leading expert in women’s health and health equity who specializes in caring for pregnant women with complex health conditions. He currently works in the Mount Sinai Health System, and in the fall will become a faculty member at NYU Langone Health where he will be an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the inaugural Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Department.
“At a time when communities of color are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, a worsening maternal mortality crisis exists, and there continues to be a host of other disparities, the need for diversity in medicine and for perspectives such as ours is critical,” said incoming National Medical Association President Dr. Garfield Clunie. “The National Medical Association makes it our mission to be a collective voice for African-descended physicians and patients. I look forward to continuing NMA’s 127-year legacy during my presidency and recognize that now more than ever, we must continue working toward our ultimate goal of health equality for all.”
Dr. Clunie continued: “My presidency will be marked by NMA advocating for equity and fairness in the treatment of physicians and patients. Racism and bias are a public health emergency. Black physicians are under attack and are not equally evaluated and promoted. Black patients continue to have disparities in access to care. We continue to seek ways in which we can combat these and other issues.”
The National Medical Association strives to eliminate health disparities in the nation’s health care delivery system. The NMA is an unwavering advocate for health policies that improve the quality and availability of health care for African Americans and other underserved populations. Dr. Clunie has been a member of NMA since graduating from medical school and has held many leadership positions. Dr. Clunie has built his career on serving vulnerable populations and as an advocate for the elimination of health disparities and seeking health equity for all.
About the National Medical Association
Established in 1895, the National Medical Association is the nation’s oldest and largest scientific and professional organization representing African American Physicians and patients. The NMA promotes the collective interests of physicians and patients of African descent. We carry out this mission by serving as the collective voice of physicians of African descent and a leading force for parity in medicine, elimination of health disparities and promotion of optimal health.
Contact: Nikita Sibley, [email protected], (850) 345-7092
