Memphis Radiologist Albert Morris Becomes NMA President-Elect; Photo Available

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5 -- Memphis Radiologist Albert W. Morris Jr., MD, was chosen President-Elect of the National Medical Association during the NMA’s annual convention last week in New York.

He will work closely with newly elected President Sandra Gadson, a nephrologist from Illinois. Morris will serve as President-Elect for one year, and then assume the 107th Presidency at next year’s NMA convention in Dallas, Texas.

“I look forward to advancing the NMA’s agenda of eliminating disparities in our current medical system and creating a healthier America,” says Morris.

The National Medical Association is the nation’s oldest and largest association representing the interests of more than 30,000 African-American physicians and their patients. Founded in 1895, the NMA has repeatedly advocated for policies that would assure equitable and quality health care for all people.

Within the NMA, Morris has served in various leadership roles including seven years on the Board of Trustees, most recently as Chairman of the Board. He has also been Chairman of the Council on Scientific Exhibits and the NMA’s Health Policy Committee. He is a frequent speaker at the Association’s Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly as well as at regional meetings. In 2000, he was selected to organize and chair the NMA’s Task Force on Environmental Health and Bioterrorism, which is credited for successfully developing protocols for physicians and patients in the event of a national disaster. Dr. Morris was selected by a member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, Congresswoman Donna M. Christiansen to serve on her Advisory Committee.

Morris previously served as President of the Bluff City Medical Society, the local NMA affiliate in Memphis. During Morris’s tenure as President, the Bluff City Medical Society was selected as the National Medical Association’s “Chapter of the Year,” awarded for outstanding programming, community involvement, and physician recruitment. Dr. Morris was also the recipient of the “Physician of the Year Award” in 1999, given by Bluff City Medical Society.

In addition to his leadership at the National Medical Association, Morris has served on the Board of the Memphis and Shelby County Medical Society, an affiliate chapter of the American Medical Association. He was the recipient of their “President’s Award” given by Dr. Jerre Freeman for noteworthy efforts in forging a closer relationship between the AMA and the NMA.

Through his private practice Dr. Morris provides diagnostic radiology services to patients of the Mid-South. He serves as a member of the State of Tennessee’s Bioterrorism Advisory Committee, the Health Care Task Force of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State legislators (TBCSL), and board member of the World Cataract Foundation.

A graduate of Howard University College of Medicine, Morris completed his residency and fellowship training at the University of Tennessee, Memphis. Dr. Morris grew up in Detroit, Michigan where he graduated from Cass Technical High School. Much of his spare time is spent speaking on behalf of the Association and as a mentor to young physicians.

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