The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance was thrilled to be in attendance at the National Medical Association's Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly. MVA staff members were in New York City, and attendees got a glimpse of Nashville, with Music City inspired giveaways alongside conversations about ongoing health equity work in Nashville.

The team connected with new and familiar faces, with over 200 booth visitors. MVA's own, Dr. Calandra Whitted, mentioned that "NMA is like a reunion for many black physicians, to reconnect and get energized with progressing diversity in medicine goals." 

She shared a notable conversation had with former Dean of the Graduate School of Meharry Medical College, Dr. Maria Lima. During Dr. Whitted's graduate studies, she worked closely with Dr. Lima--they were able to re-connect at the Dean's Reception and shared work that has taken place since their last meeting over 12 years ago.

And of course, we would be remiss without highlighting the biggest news of the weekend: Michael Bloomberg announced a $175 million gift to Meharry Medical College. The gift is part of a $600 million investment by Bloomberg Philanthropies, awarded to the nation's four historically black medical schools. Bloomberg's gift is the largest in Meharry's history and will support their continuous efforts in diversifying the medical field and training the next generation of doctors. We look forward to seeing the lasting impact that Bloomberg's gift has on these universities, students, and the community.

The National Medical Association (NMA) is the nation's oldest & largest organization that represents African American health professionals. It "was created for black doctors and health professionals, who found it necessary to establish their own medical societies and hospitals." Founded during a time when membership to organizations, like the American Medical Association (AMA), were restricted to white professionals only. The NMA has "led the fight for better medical care and opportunities for all Americans."

Credit: National Medical Association

Last month, program manager, Mercedes Ridinger attended the Tennessee Interprofessional Practice and Education Consortium (TIPEC) at Lipscomb University. This was an excellent opportunity to showcase the collaborative work amongst our students, faculty, and community partners.

Earlier this year, the MVA celebrated a decade of impact through its involvement with the IPE program. 

We would like to highlight MVA Program Manager, Mercedes as her poster presentation was awarded Reviewer's Choice!

The Tennessee Interprofessional Practice and Education Consortium’s mission is to facilitate interprofessional, team-based approach to health among the state’s health and health profession educators, students, professionals/practitioners and agencies.

We are pleased to announce the rollout of Community Voices. This program is meant to uplift the voices of our local community and empower underrepresented populations across the region, specifically for action on efforts which improve health equity in our communities.

We are deeply committed to facilitating in physical and digital spaces that create authentic opportunities for co-creation, collaboration, and innovation.

If you are ready to team up for your community’s health, let's get to work. To get involved:

•  Join us in our collaboration space on the Meharry Medical College campus for a Power Hour session.

•  Help us spread the word, about Community Voices within your network, by sharing the flyers below. All are invited to sign up here.

Let's collaborate, innovate, and co-create to improve health equity across our communities!

The MVA will recognize one full-time faculty member nominee from either Meharry Medical College, Vanderbilt University, or Vanderbilt University Medical Center who has shown a dedication to student success and inclusion.

This award is unique as the faculty being recognized must be committed to mentoring students outside of their own institution.

The deadline to submit a nomination is September 15, 2024, at 11:59pm CT. Read the full nomination criteria HERE, and submit a nomination HERE.

Awards will be presented at the 3rd Annual Dr. Clifton K. Meador Lectureship on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 8am.

Join us in celebrating our Executive Director, Dr. Karen Winkfield, as she was recently named the 2024 winner of the Healio Disruptive Innovators Award! This annual event celebrates risk takers, ground breakers & status quo pushers.

She was highlighted for:
•  identifying & addressing social determinants of health to improve patient care
•  challenging peers to meet patients where they are
•  lifting underserved communities through initiatives designed around the people

We are proud to be led by this Disruptive Innovator!

You're invited to participate in a 4-part HBCU Community Walk series, starting with Meharry Medical College

September 18, 2024

Register for our bi-annual networking and collaboration event

October 14, 2024

Help us spread the word about our 3rd Annual Health Equity Poster Session + Lectureship

Poster Submissions due Oct 18

Lectureship November 13, 2024

The Southern Environmental Health Study is an exciting new research study on the connections between our surroundings, our life experiences, and our risk of cancer and other diseases.

Study participants will be asked to fill out a survey, wear a silicone wristband for 7 days, and may be asked to provide an optional sample of blood, urine, and/or saliva.

If you are an adult between the ages of 40 and 70 and live in the South, join the Southern Environmental Health Study today!

Visit https://www.sehstudy.org/info or call 855-710-9489 to learn more. Compensation is provided.

Kudos to the SEHS Research Team, as they recently reached their 10,000th participant milestone!

Donate here to empower the next generation of health equity providers!