Dr. Virginia Caine is 125th president of the National Medical Association

At the 122nd Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly, the National Medical Association (NMA) inducted Dr. Virginia Caine as its 125th president.

The theme for Caine’s presidency is “Transforming population health: The promise of health equity across therapeutic areas to improve quality and span of life.”

According to a statement released by the NMA, “This new appointment embraces the NMA’s long-standing dedication and commitment to improving the health outcomes of Black patients in the U.S.”

Caine, who succeeds previous president, Yolanda Lawson, MD, was installed at this year’s ceremony in New York.

Caine currently serves as 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. With specializations in infectious diseases, Caine’s focus is improving patient care experiences, expanding the Black health care workforce and eradicating diseases that disproportionately affect 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.”

“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.

The NMA is the country’s oldest and largest organization representing Black physicians and health care professionals and promotes the interests of physicians and patients of African descent.