Changemakers for Excellence

NMF has long been recognized for our commitment to empowering the next generation of health care leaders. Since our inception, we have proudly supported the journeys and dreams of medical professionals who have shaped history.

Among them is Dr. Regina Benjamin, a National Medical Fellowships (NMF) alumna who became the first Black woman to serve as U.S. Surgeon General from 2009 to 2013 under the Obama Administration. Dr. LaSalle D. Leffall Jr., another distinguished NMF alumnus, was a renowned surgeon and educator who made history as the first Black president of the American Cancer Society, leading efforts to raise awareness about cancer risks.

With over 32,000 alumni making transformational contributions to health care, NMF continues to fuel a future where representation, leadership, and excellence drive lasting change toward a healthier future for all. Our work helps address the growing physician shortage and eliminate medical deserts by empowering talented scholars to fulfill their dreams of becoming doctors and serving their communities.

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With this expansion, NMF’s board grows to 19 members, further strengthening our ability to provide strategic leadership at a pivotal time in health care. These distinguished new board members bring expertise spanning law, health care, business, policy, and social impact— each committed to advancing NMF’s mission of supporting the next generation of health care leaders and healers.

The board is now chaired by the Honorable Jon S. Corzine, the founder, chief executive officer and chief investment officer of the JDC-JSC Opportunity Fund, a global macro/event driven hedge fund. Before founding JDC-JSC, he managed his family office, actively investing and overseeing his philanthropic activities. He served the State of New Jersey as a United States Senator from 2001-2006 and was its 54th Governor from 2006-2010. 

NMF is grateful to Bryan Baugh, M.D. for his service as Board Chair for the past year. Dr. Baugh will continue to lead NMF as he returns to his former position as Vice Chair.

As we welcome these new leaders, we also extend our utmost gratitude to two NMF board members who have transitioned to emeriti status: Cedric M. Bright, M.D., FACP and Pamela T. Miller, Esq. We are grateful to them both for their ongoing commitment and years of service to NMF.

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Studying to Better Serve Patients

Brittney Blair, a Jacksonville, Florida native and the youngest of five siblings is on track to become the first doctor in her family. Having the sickle cell trait herself and witnessing family members navigate life with sickle cell disease (SCD), she is deeply committed to researching and addressing health challenges in affected communities.

Through the Alliant Health Solutions/NMF Research Program scholarship, Blair has furthered her studies on SCD while continuing to advocate for populations made vulnerable. With a passion for culturally competent and holistic health care, she remains dedicated to creating meaningful change in the field of medicine.

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A Fireside Chat with Lloyd Dean

NMF’s President and CEO, Michellene Davis, Esq. had the honor of joining CommonSpirit Health Chief Executive Emeritus and newly appointed NMF board member, Lloyd Dean on stage at the Culture Shifting Summit this past January for an engaging fireside chat.

In this candid discussion, they explored topics such as whole-person wellness, innovation, and the critical role of kindness and empathy in advancing health and wellness for all. Lloyd Dean also shared insights on the ongoing pursuit of health excellence and the transformative power of high-quality, broadly accessible care.

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