Strengthening an Equity-defined Workforce and Elevating Future Health Professionals via DEI-Centered Pathways
July 29 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | National Medical Association 2026
Annual Meeting & Scientific Assembly Convention Center, Room 202-A
Session Learning Objectives:
Identify current challenges in the healthcare workforce related to representation, retention, and equitable advancement.
Describe how Historically Black/Minority-Serving institutions, community-based organizations, and crosssector partnerships can increase exposure, support, and opportunities for learners at different educational stages.
Propose actionable improvements to recruitment, training, mentorship, and professional development models.
Discuss and formulate strategies and policy recommendations for pathway programs that actively support diverse learners and promote equitable advancement opportunities.
Abstract
The pursuit of health equity remains a highly significant challenge in healthcare today. Accomplishing this challenge requires a comprehensive understanding of the myriads of factors shaping individual and population health outcomes. A key aspect of this work involves the development of leadership skills among medical, public health, and professional learners. To be a leading transformative force for health equity, Historically Black/Minority-Serving institutions of higher learning, as well as community-based medical organizations and partnerships, are key in supporting existing providers and cultivating future professionals who are well-versed in health equity and the dynamics of diverse communities. Focusing on health equity requires different frames of thought about the role of healthcare education and leadership development. It requires different thinking about students, residents, and professional training; pursuing scientific discoveries; treating patients; and engaging with diverse communities. Important considerations for strengthening the healthcare workforce include training the next generation of healthcare and public health professionals to effectively provide care and advocate within the healthcare landscape; collaboratively developing and promoting meaningful policy and structural changes; and harnessing the leadership potential of learners and providers discoveries through leadership development.
Agenda
7:30 – 8 a.m. Breakfast
8 – 8:10 a.m.
8:10 – 8:20 a.m.
8:20 – 8:30 a.m.
8:30 – 8:35 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD
Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Interim Executive Director, Satcher Health Leadership Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
Community Health and Preventive Medicine
Section Overview
Michelle Staples-Horne, MD
Medical Director, Center for Black Women’s Wellness
Chair, Community Health and Preventive Medicine
Section, National Medical Association
A Tribute to Dr. Satcher’s Legacy
Jammie Hopkins, DrPH, MS, MSCR
Associate Professor, Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine
Research Associate, Satcher Health Leadership Institute
Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
Special Video Presentation
8:35 – 8:45 a.m. Panel Introduction
Strengthening the Current Healthcare Workforce and Elevating Future
Health Professionals via DEI-Centered Pathways
Moderator: Maisha Standifer, PhD, MPH
Associate Director, Satcher Health Leadership Institute
Assistant Professor, Community Health and Preventive Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
8:45 – 9:25 a.m.
Panel Discussion
Marjorie Gondré-Lewis, PhD Professor of Neuroscience
Associate Dean for Faculty Development & Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)
Howard University College of Medicine
Bennetta C. Horne, PhD
Assistant Dean for Admissions
Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
Hongtao Yu, PhD
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
9:25 – 10:05 a.m. Moderated Q&A
10:05 – 10:20 a.m.
Roundtable Discussion Introduction
Allyson Belton, MPH
Director, Education and Training, Satcher Institute for Health Equity, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
10:20 – 11:20 a.m.
Roundtable Discussion
Facilitators: Tabia Akintobi, PhD, MPH; Georges Benjamin, MD, MPH; Rita Finley, PhD
Roundtable #1: What are three (3) ways that academic institutions, healthcare systems, and communities may collaborate more meaningfully to build DEI-centered pathways?
Roundtable #2: What current workforce gaps do you believe pose the greatest threat to equitable healthcare delivery? What are potential solutions/recommendations/policies that will address and close these gaps?
Roundtable #3: How can we create an organizational climate where DEI is not seen as a threat but as a means of creating a healthcare workforce that addresses the needs of all?
11:20 – 11:50 a.m. Roundtable Reporting
11:50 a.m. – 12 p.m. Next Steps and Closing Remarks
Symposium Voices
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD Professor, Department of Pathology, Interim Dean for Academic Affairs, Interim Executive Director, Satcher Health Leadership Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
Michelle Staples-Horne, MD Medical Director, Center for Black Women’s Wellness Chair, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Section, National Medical Association
Jammie Hopkins, DrPH, MS, MSCR Associate Professor, Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine, Research Associate, Satcher Health Leadership Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
Maisha Standifer, PhD, MPH Associate Director, Satcher Health Leadership Institute Assistant Professor, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
Marjorie Gondré-Lewis, PhD
Professor of Neuroscience
Associate Dean for Faculty Development & Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Howard University College of Medicine
Bennetta C. Horne, PhD
Assistant Dean for Admissions, Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
Hongtao Yu, PhD
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
Allyson Belton, MPH
Director, Education and Training, Satcher
Institute for Health Equity, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA