NMA 2012 Annual Convention

Online, July 24, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The National Medical Association (NMA) will host its 2012 Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly July 28 - August 1, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Thousands will convene around the theme for this year, "Paradigm Shift: Equipping Physicians for a New Health Landscape," is timely with the changes in the nation's healthcare delivery system that we are witnessing. The conference highlights the vital leadership role that NMA and its members play in implementing affordable care to vulnerable and under-represented minorities.

New Orleans is the perfect setting to bring together physicians, key leaders, scholars, and government officials; to discuss the exciting developments surrounding health care reform. Notable experts in the medical and the scientific industry will present the latest information on the best practices and advancements in the treatment, management, and/or the prevention of common and not so common diseases and medical conditions. The NMA will host special sessions that combine education and health policy outreach on issues such as Hepatitis C, Congestive Heart Failure, Obesity, and Global Health. The NMA is committed to increasing and solidifying the healthcare pipeline with special attention to increasing the successful entry and matriculation of minority students entering medicine. This year the NMA will host a special session focused on addressing the healthcare professional's pipeline and will host a special mentoring session at Xavier University for students interested in medicine. The NMA's Annual Mazique Symposium will acknowledge the NMA's continued commitment and concern about the condition of the nation's Gulf Coast and is entitled; Healthcare in the Gulf Coast, Post Katrina & Petroleum Disasters.

The NMA's Annual Conference is the largest gathering of African American physicians in the country but expands beyond the confines of its membership, making an impact in every city in which we convene. The organization is bringing our national program, "We Stand with You," NMA Physicians and their Patients United for Improved Health for All, to New Orleans with our nationally recognized focus on childhood and family obesity with "Walk a Mile with a Child." This program will offer free health screenings for the community and kick off with a 1-mile walk with NMA leaders, elected officials and New Orleans residents. Additionally, this program will once again welcome the talented D. L Hughley and Don "DC" Curry in as special comedic guests for the second annual, "Laughter is Good Medicine" event where our physicians, partners and the public all participate in a prescription for great laughter. Other celebrity guests include the award-winning actress Lynn Whitfield who will speak at the Annual Women in Medicine Luncheon, which applauds the work of outstanding female physicians. Finally, the organization is excited to welcome professional cook, author, and entrepreneur, Paula Deen. Ms. Deen will share her inspiring personal diabetes success story during a live cooking demonstration at the convention center that will be free and open to the public (pre registration required).

The NMA conference always proves to be an important event for the nation's health. The NMA will announce several national initiatives targeting the nation's health with a focus on health disparities. Further, the NMA is a policy organization that has long demanded equity in health and will host a workshop focused on the Affordable Care Act post the Supreme Court decision with a robust discussion on the next steps for physicians. Elected and appointed government officials will participate in the conference including the Honorable James Clyburn. A full agenda will be in place for one of the nation's premier medical conferences with multiple workshops, surgical courses, lectures, and symposia to strengthen the practice of the art and science of medicine. To learn more about our upcoming conference, visit our website www.NMAnet.org or call 202 347 1895.

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Founded in 1895, the National Medical Association is the nation's oldest and largest medical association representing the interests of more than 50,000 African American physicians and their patients. The NMA repeatedly advocates for policies that would assure equitable and quality health care for all people. The National Medical Association's 2011 Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly will host thousands of physicians, healthcare professionals, and advocates July 28 - August 1, 2012 in New Orleans, LA. www.nmanet.org