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View the PDF of the final Convention Book for information about the upcoming Annual Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii, August 4 - August 9, Hawaii Convention Center.

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• Meet and Greet Dr. Mohommad Akhter, the new NMA Executive Director at the Annual Convention— Sun.—Tues., August 5–7, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. in NMA Central.  Members can stop by and meet Dr. Akhter.
• Opening & Awards Ceremony and Reception—Saturday, August 4, 7:00 p.m. –9:00 p.m.
• Mazique Symposium—Saturday, August 4, 11:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m.
• Plenary Session—Sunday, August 5, 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
• President’s Installation and Reception—Tuesday, August 7, 6:00 p.m. (Sheraton Waikiki Hotel)
• President’s Ball—Tuesday, August 7, 8:00 p.m.–Midnight (Royal Hawaiian Hotel)
• Collaboration of Physicians, Nurses, Pharmacists and Other Health Professionals at the Point of Care—Saturday, August 4, 6:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m.
• Council on the Concerns of Women Physicians Luncheon—Sunday, August 5,12:30 p.m.
• Post-Convention Seminar in Maui—August 9–12

See Convention Program Book for more information.

The President’s Ball will honor Albert W. Morris, Jr., M.D., 107th President of the National Medical Association, on Tuesday, August 7, 8:00 p.m. – Midnight at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel’s Monarch Ballroom, black tie $150.

The Installation Ceremony and Reception for Nelson L. Adams, M.D., 108th President of the National Medical Association will occur on Tuesday, August 7, 6:00 p.m., Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, Hawaii Ballroom, and is open to all attendees. Installation and reception supported in part by Sanofi-aventis U.S.

Dr. Britton has written a letter summarizing the events of 2006-2007 and sharing her enthusiasm for the organization’s progress, in both operations and programs. She reviews the challenges faced by the NMA and others because of Hurricane Katrina and highlights NMA progress, including the selection of Dr. Mohammad Akhter as Executive Director. Dr. Britton herself was recently honored by receiving the Multicultural Award from American Legacy magazine sponsored by Bayer and the Dr. James McCune Smith Award sponsored by Harlem Dowling-West Side Center.

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Dr. Albert Morris, President of the National Medical Association, spoke at the Volunteer State Medical Association’s 103rd Annual Meeting in Robinsonville, Mississippi, on June 8-9th. Dr. Morris reported on his activities as the NMA President and urged VSMA members to attend the upcoming NMA National Convention in Honolulu.

Go to press release >

The National Medical Association (NMA) is working with Stay in Circulation, the first national public awareness program to help Americans learn about P.A.D., peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.), or hardening of the arteries (also known as "atherosclerosis" in the limbs, most often the legs.  P.A.D. is caused by the same risk factors that lead to heart disease. This public awareness program teaches how to reduce the risk of developing P.A.D. and the steps people can take to stay in circulation.  The NMA is involved in this campaign to help our community learn about P.A.D.

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Go to NIH’s P.A.D. website >

NMA Diabetes Education Program encourages the early detection of preventable health problems such as erectile dysfunction among male diabetics.   The program is committed to lowering the incidence of preventable health problems through early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. To open the lines of communication, physicians are encouraged to ask their male patients about any changes in erectile function.  

Read more “Men, Diabetes, and Erectile Dysfunction” >
Go to NMA Diabetes Education Program website >

A study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reported in March 2007 that fewer than half of African Americans living with major depression receive treatment for this illness. Among all participants, African Americans had the highest rate of chronic depression—nearly 57 percent—compared to about 39 percent of non-Hispanic white Americans. Contributing to this disturbing trend are factors such as disparate access to appropriate and consistent care and the stigma of mental illness within the African American community. In light of this alarming data, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is offering an information kit entitled “African Americans and Mood Disorders: Resources for Physicians and Patients.” For more information, please call (800) 826-3632 or visit DBSA’s website, www.DBSAlliance.org.

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Go to DBSA website >

African-American physicians Michael V. Drake and Ernest C. Levister are recipients of the 2007 Champions of Health Professions Diversity Award (along with a cash award of $25,000 each) presented by the California Wellness Foundation.  In an annual event, the award honors the efforts of select individuals who help to increase diversity and reduce entry barriers at medical schools. Michael V. Drake has worked for 30 years to encourage minorities to enter and succeed in health-science schools with the University of California system is currently chancellor of UC Irvine. Ernest C. Levister has personally mentored students pursuing careers in medicine and has urged the California Legislature to mandate changes in the undergraduate science and engineering programs at UC Riverside.
 
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Dr. Vikisha Fripp, currently completing her Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training at Cornell University, won the 2006-2007 scholarship and essay contest for her essay on addressing membership recruitment and retention within the National Medical Association.  As the winner, she will receive paid travel and accommodations for 4 days and 3 nights during the NMA Annual Convention 2007 in Honolulu.

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For individuals and families who lack prescription drug coverage and are not eligible for Medicare, Together Rx Access offers a free quick-start savings card to save from 25% to 40% on brand-name prescription drugs and products.

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