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NMA Region V & III Conference 2026 Baton Rouge
The National Medical Association (NMA) Regions III & V made history at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, hosting their 2026 Joint Regional Conference on the campus of an HBCU for the first time. The three-day event united physicians, healthcare leaders, policymakers, researchers, and future medical professionals to advance healthcare equity, strengthen the medical workforce, and address critical challenges facing underserved communities. Through dynamic discussions, educational sessions, and strategic collaboration, the conference reinforced a shared commitment to transforming healthcare through innovation, advocacy, and community-centered solutions.
Videos
The New Reconstruction: Advancing Healthcare Justice
The National Medical Association (NMA) Regions III & V hosted their historic 2026 Joint Regional Conference at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The three-day event united healthcare professionals, policymakers, and future medical leaders to advance health equity, address healthcare challenges, and strengthen communities through education, innovation, and collaboration.
Southern Interview With Robyn Merrick
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference in Baton Rouge, Robyn Merrick highlighted Southern University's commitment to education, leadership, and community advancement. The interview emphasized the importance of collaboration between historically Black colleges and universities and healthcare organizations in developing future medical professionals, addressing health disparities, and strengthening underserved communities.
NMA Black Maternal Health Week:
Honoring Joia Crear-Perry, MD
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, the National Medical Association recognized Dr. Joia Crear-Perry during Black Maternal Health Week for her leadership and dedication to advancing maternal health equity. A nationally recognized physician and founder of the National Birth Equity Collaborative, Dr. Crear-Perry has championed efforts to address maternal mortality, eliminate healthcare disparities, and improve outcomes for mothers and families. The recognition highlighted the importance of advocacy, education, and equitable maternal healthcare for all.
Photos
Interviews
Strengthening Collaboration with HBCUs for
the Future of Healthcare Workforce.
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare and education leaders explored the vital role of HBCUs in addressing workforce shortages, expanding opportunities in medicine, and preparing future healthcare professionals. The discussion emphasized mentorship, institutional partnerships, and strengthening the healthcare workforce to better serve communities nationwide.
Medical Schools: The Bridge Between the Undergraduate
Pipelineand the Healthcare Workforce Reality
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, medical and academic leaders explored the critical role of medical schools in connecting undergraduate education to the healthcare workforce. The panel highlighted the importance of expanding access to medical education, strengthening mentorship and clinical training, and creating pathways that prepare future physicians to address workforce shortages, advance health equity, and better serve underserved communities.
Strategic Partnerships to Implement a Healthcare Workforce Agenda
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare, education, and community leaders explored the importance of strategic partnerships in strengthening America's healthcare workforce. The discussion emphasized collaboration among medical institutions, HBCUs, policymakers, and healthcare organizations to expand career pathways, address physician shortages, improve access to medical education, and develop sustainable solutions that advance health equity and better serve underserved communities.
Advocacy in Action: Rebuilding Stronger Communities Through Environmental Justice_Food Security_and Technology Access
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare and community leaders explored how environmental justice, food security, and technology access directly influence community health. The panel emphasized addressing social determinants of health, reducing disparities, and strengthening partnerships to create healthier, more resilient communities through advocacy, innovation, and equitable access to essential resources.
Technology and Healthcare Innovation: Reconstructing
the Care Delivery System
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare leaders explored how emerging technologies and innovative solutions can transform healthcare delivery. The panel focused on opportunities to improve patient access, strengthen healthcare systems, and address disparities through digital health, technological advancement, and patient-centered care. The discussion reinforced the importance of innovation in building a more efficient, accessible, and equitable healthcare system.
Reconstructing Payment Reform: Advancing Value-Based Care for Better Alignment Between Patients and Providers
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare leaders explored the future of payment reform and the transition toward value-based care. The panel addressed the importance of aligning financial incentives with patient outcomes, improving care coordination, and strengthening relationships between patients, providers, and healthcare systems. The discussion emphasized advancing equitable, affordable, and patient-centered healthcare through innovative payment models and policy reform.
Strengthening Collaboration with HBCUs for the Future of Healthcare Workforce: Patients, Providers & Policy in Partnership
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare and education leaders explored the vital role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in developing the next generation of healthcare professionals. The panel emphasized strengthening partnerships among academic institutions, healthcare providers, and policymakers to expand medical career pathways, address workforce shortages, advance health equity, and build a more inclusive and sustainable healthcare system.
The New Reconstruction: Mobilizing Healthcare Justice for a New America – Our Patients, Providers and Policy.” Luncheon & Fireside Chat
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, National Medical Association President Dr. Roger Mitchell Jr. led a luncheon and fireside chat focused on advancing healthcare justice across America. The discussion highlighted the importance of aligning patients, healthcare providers, and public policy to address systemic disparities, strengthen healthcare advocacy, and build healthier communities. The conversation reinforced the NMA's commitment to leadership, collaboration, and meaningful healthcare reform.
Policy Philosophies and Structural: Factors That Have Shaped
Medicaid Access Across the Region
Policy Philosophies and Structural: Factors That Have Shaped Medicaid Access Across the Region.
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare and policy leaders examined how legislative decisions, Medicaid expansion policies, and structural barriers have shaped healthcare access across the Southern region. The panel explored disparities in coverage, challenges facing underserved and rural communities, and the importance of policy reform, advocacy, and collaboration in building a more equitable and accessible healthcare system.
Community‐Driven Strategies to Bridge the Southern Coverage Gap
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare and community leaders explored strategies to close healthcare coverage gaps across the Southern United States. The panel emphasized community-driven solutions, stronger partnerships, Medicaid access, and grassroots advocacy to address barriers affecting rural and underserved populations. The discussion highlighted the importance of empowering communities, expanding access to affordable healthcare, and advancing policies that promote lasting health equity.
Immunizations Update/ Evidence, Trust, and Clinical Practice
in a Changing Vaccination Landscape
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare leaders examined the evolving landscape of immunizations, emphasizing evidence-based medicine, vaccine safety, and public trust. The presentation addressed changing vaccination recommendations, misinformation, and barriers to immunization access while highlighting the critical role of healthcare providers in educating patients, strengthening vaccine confidence, and protecting communities from preventable diseases.
Bridging Social Determinants of Health and Community Development
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare and community leaders explored the connection between social determinants of health and sustainable community development. The discussion highlighted how housing, education, economic opportunity, food security, and access to healthcare influence health outcomes. Emphasizing collaboration, advocacy, and community-centered solutions, the presentation focused on reducing health disparities and building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.
2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and NMA
Supplement Findings Breakfast
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare and nutrition experts examined the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the NMA's supplemental findings. The breakfast presentation highlighted the importance of evidence-based nutrition, chronic disease prevention, culturally relevant dietary recommendations, and collaboration between physicians and nutrition professionals. The discussion emphasized improving patient education, addressing nutritional disparities, and advancing healthier outcomes for communities nationwide.
Men’s Health Matters Too: Elevating Prevention, Early
Detection, and Engagement
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare leaders highlighted the importance of prioritizing men’s health through prevention, early detection, and increased patient engagement. The presentation addressed critical health challenges affecting men, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and mental health. The discussion emphasized preventive screenings, patient education, and community-based outreach to reduce health disparities, encourage proactive healthcare decisions, and improve long-term health outcomes for men and their families.
The Truth About Wound and Limb Preservation:
Evidence, Access, and Action
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare experts explored the importance of early intervention, advanced wound care, and limb preservation in preventing avoidable amputations. The presentation highlighted evidence-based treatments, disparities in access to specialized care, and the impact of diabetes and vascular disease on wound healing. The discussion emphasized patient education, timely diagnosis, and coordinated healthcare strategies to improve outcomes, preserve mobility, and enhance quality of life for vulnerable populations.
HIV and Subspeciality: The Significance of Routine Testing
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare experts examined the critical role of routine HIV testing across medical specialties in improving early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The presentation emphasized integrating HIV screening into standard clinical care, reducing stigma, addressing healthcare disparities, and strengthening patient education. The discussion highlighted how early detection, coordinated specialty care, and increased access to testing can improve patient outcomes and reduce HIV transmission in underserved communities.
Solutions to Resolve the Women’s Health Care Gap Luncheon
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare leaders gathered for a luncheon focused on addressing disparities in women’s healthcare and advancing equitable access to quality medical services. The discussion highlighted critical challenges in maternal health, preventive care, early detection, and access to specialized treatment. Emphasizing advocacy, collaboration, and patient-centered solutions, the presentation explored strategies to close healthcare gaps, empower women, and improve health outcomes for women and families across underserved communities.
CDC Preamble: Beating Hypertension
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare leaders highlighted the urgent need to combat hypertension through prevention, early detection, and effective blood pressure management. The presentation emphasized evidence-based strategies, routine screenings, patient education, and community engagement to reduce cardiovascular disease and stroke risks. The discussion reinforced the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers, public health organizations, and communities to improve hypertension control, address health disparities, and save lives.
Balancing the Capacity of Primary Care Providers in LDL- C Management Let’s Beat HCM! Improving Screening, Diagnosis, and Management of HCM among at-risk Blacks
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare experts examined strategies to strengthen cardiovascular care through improved cholesterol management and early detection of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The presentations emphasized empowering primary care providers to manage elevated LDL cholesterol, identify patients at risk for heart disease, and improve screening, diagnosis, and treatment of HCM among Black populations. The discussions highlighted evidence-based care, patient education, and equitable access to specialized treatment to reduce cardiovascular disparities and improve long-term health outcomes.
Enhancing LDL-C management to Promote Cardiometabolic
Health in Cardiology Deserts
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare experts explored strategies to improve LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) management and cardiovascular health in communities with limited access to specialized cardiology services. The presentation emphasized early screening, preventive care, evidence-based treatment, and empowering primary care providers to address cardiovascular risk. The discussion highlighted the importance of expanding access to care, reducing health disparities, and strengthening community-based solutions to improve cardiometabolic health outcomes in underserved populations.
The Burden of the Feed: Addressing Digital Vicarious
Trauma and Racial Battle Fatigue
During the 2026 NMA Regions III & V Joint Regional Conference at Southern University, healthcare and mental health professionals explored the psychological impact of repeated exposure to traumatic digital content, racial discrimination, and social injustice. The presentation examined digital vicarious trauma and racial battle fatigue, highlighting their potential effects on emotional well-being, stress, and professional burnout. The discussion emphasized mental health awareness, resilience, culturally responsive care, and strategies to protect psychological well-being while fostering healthier communities.