EDITH MITCHELL was named president of the National Medical Association, at the organization’s 113th annual convention and scientific assembly in Detroit Aug 4. Mitchell is a professor of medical oncology at Thomas Jefferson University.
“I am deeply honored to have been appointed as president-elect of this prestigious organization,” said Mitchell Aug. 3, who is also the program leader of Gastrointestinal Oncology and associate director for diversity programs at Thomas Jefferson University.
“There is still much work to be done with regards to disparities in medical treatment. I believe that we can all work together and make great strides to address barriers in helping underserved populations get better care and lead to better health care in our nation.”
The NMA is the nation’s oldest and largest professional society for African American physicians. One of its mission statements is to support and increase the representation and contributions of people of African descent by helping shape policy, through educational programs, and community outreach.
Mitchell’s work has focused on groups whose medical needs have not been met by medical system in the United States. As a practicing medical oncologist, her research interests have included many cancer types such as breast, colorectal, pancreatic and other gastrointestinal malignancies.
In 2008, she received the Tree of Life award from the Wellness of You organization, a Philadelphia nonprofit providing health education and resources to the community, in recognition of her efforts in health management in the local and global community.
She was recognized for her commitment to diversity, research, and education in 2009 by the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Control Award.
Mitchell is also a retired brigadier general in the U.S. Air Force, and was the first female physician to attain this rank. She served as senior medical Air National Guard advisor to the command surgeon and was the medical liaison between the active Air Force and the Air National Guard.
