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The National Medical Association (NMA) has named Columbia's Carolyn B. Britton as its new president.

An associate professor of clinical neurology at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, Britton became the NMA's 109th president at its July 29 annual convention in Atlanta. She previously served as its chair of the Neurology/Neurosurgery Section, chair of the Finance Committee, chair of the Board of Trustees, and president-elect. During her administration, Britton plans to focus on cancer and mental health disparities.

"Dr. Britton's elevation to the organization's highest office appropriately recognizes her many outstanding accomplishments and contributions both within and outside the NMA," says Timothy A. Pedley, the Henry and Lucy Moses Professor of Neurology and chairman of the department of neurology at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons. "The department of neurology and the Neurological Institute of New York take great pride in Dr. Britton's leadership roles at the NMA and congratulate her on this outstanding achievement."

Britton joined the Columbia faculty in 1983. She received her M.D. from New York University and completed her internship in internal medicine at Harlem Hospital Center before beginning a residency in neurology at the Neurological Institute at Columbia. She is an expert in infectious and inflammatory conditions of the central nervous system, including neuro-AIDS, meningitis, encephalitis, sarcoidosis, collagen vascular disorders, and multiple sclerosis. In May, she was one of 140 African-American physicians and surgeons named to Black Enterprise magazine's list of America's Leading Doctors.

Founded in 1895, the National Medical Association represents the interests of more than 30,000 African-American physicians and the patients they serve. The NMA plays a historic and significant leadership role in American medicine, particularly in working to eliminate disparities in health and health care through advocacy and public education and by helping create the legislation, programs, and societal environment necessary for all Americans to lead healthy lives and have affordable access to high-quality health care.

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