DR. TRUDY HALL, DR. DENISE WYNNE BAKER AND DR. KRYSTILYN WASHINGTON, at the NMA Annual Scientific Conference, April 18, 2026. (Photos by Chief Ikhana-Hal-Makina)
From April 16-18, 2026, Region II of the National Medical Association welcomed hundreds of Black leaders in clinical practice, academia, public health and health care to Pittsburgh for the Annual Scientific Conference.
It was held at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center, Downtown.
The New Pittsburgh Courier was there as the conference engaged attendees around the growing interface between hands-on clinical care delivery and technology, particularly the benefits and potential pitfalls of AI-driven care platforms and the role of AI technology in clinical education, decision-making and health professions student selection. Evidence-based presentations on topics occurred, including diabetic limb salvage, APOL1, African Ancestry and “Kidney Disease: Implications for Providers and Patient Outcomes.” Also, “Advances in Mitral and Tricuspid Transcatheter Therapies,” “Update on Pulmonary Care of our patients: A Targeted Approach: Algorithms, Biologics and Targeted care,” and “Improving Cancer Screening Strategies and Outcomes.”
The Gateway Medical Society also played an instrumental role in the annual conference.
DR. JOANNE SENOGA BROWN, CENTER, was recognized during the conference for her participation in the pursuit of excellence in health equity research.
DR. EDMUND WEKUNGA was recognized for his tireless efforts over the years to advocate for and promote health equity.
TANNER THOMAS AND AARON JACKSON, AT THE NMA ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE, APRIL 18, 2026. (PHOTO BY CHIEF IKHANA-HAL-MAKINA)