San Juan, Puerto Rico — July 23, 2026 — The National Medical Association's 2026 Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly will address critical issues in health equity and policy, under its theme, "The New Reconstruction – Mobilizing Healthcare Justice for a New America: Our Patients, Providers, and Policy." Scheduled to open on July 25, 2026, at the Puerto Rico Convention Center, this event is acclaimed as the nation's foremost forum on medical science and African American health.
Advancing Health Equity Through Policy and Science
The theme, "The New Reconstruction – Mobilizing Healthcare Justice for a New America: Our Patients, Providers, and Policy," indicates a strategic focus on systemic changes necessary to improve patient outcomes and address health disparities. This directly impacts regulatory considerations and research priorities aimed at equitable healthcare delivery. The National Medical Association organizes this event, with A. Fassano & Company managing exhibit and sponsorship logistics. The Convention seeks to drive meaningful change through science, policy, and purpose, foregrounding the clinical relevance of health equity initiatives for diverse patient populations.
Scientific Assembly and Professional Development
The NMA Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly will feature a robust program designed for a diverse audience of African American physicians, physician executives, podiatrists, health professionals, academicians, and scientists. Concurrent events scheduled for July 25, 2026, include the Opening & Awards, Past Presidents' Leadership Forum, Edward C. Mazique, M.D. Symposium, and Walk a Mile With a Child. On July 26, 2026, attendees can participate in the Edith Irby Jones, M.D. Plenary Session, W. Montague Cobb Health Institute Lecture & Symposium, and the Council on Concerns of Women Physicians Awards Luncheon. The President's Installation will conclude the formal program on July 28, 2026.
Attendee demographics from 2023 indicate that Primary Care physicians (Community Medicine and Public Health, Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics) comprised 52% of participants. Surgical Physicians accounted for 10%, Specialty Physicians for 32%, and other Health Professionals for 6%. Notably, 74% of NMA Physicians are Board Certified, underscoring a commitment to high standards in clinical practice and research.
Industry Engagement and Past Participation
The Exhibition Overview highlights the event's role in fostering collaboration within the healthcare industry. The 2025 edition saw a professional attendance of 3,118, building on the 2,532 professionals who attended in 2024. In 2024, the event hosted 517 exhibitors and 147 exhibiting companies, while 2025 recorded 112 exhibiting companies. Exhibitors benefit from exposure to a significant gathering of African American MDs, DOs, DPMs, physician executives, and specialists who possess buying power or influence decision-making for their institutions or practices. Based on 2025 attendee data, 96% of exhibitors rated the quality of leads as average to excellent, 92% found networking opportunities average to excellent, 84% would recommend exhibiting at future NMA Annual Conventions, and 77% considered publicity and brand promotion average to excellent.
For further details on the program or to explore participation opportunities, visit the official website at https://nmanet.org/event/2026-nma-annual-convention-and-scientific-assembly/.