NMF scholars and alumni are transforming healthcare one story at a time. In this edition of NMF Portraits, we turn our attention to Dr. Glenda Newell-Harris, who shares her inspiring story of physician leadership, advocacy, and transformative care in hopes of empowering the next generation of healers.

“There are many patients waiting for you to finish this journey so you can care for them…”

Glenda Newell-Harris, MD, is an internal medicine physician, speaker, and global patient advocate with more than three decades of experience advancing access to quality care for children and families.

Her career includes opening a private practice and serving as a Lieutenant in the National Health Service Corps, a staff physician with Kaiser Permanente and Corizon Health, an associate medical director for Planned Parenthood, and her current role as regional medical director for YesCare, a leading provider of correctional healthcare in the U.S.

Dr. Newell-Harris has also served as vice chair of the Health Commission for the City of Oakland, as a regional officer for the National Medical Association (NMA), and in 2024, she was appointed by President Joe Biden to the HHS Advisory Committee for the Office of Minority Health.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?

My mother was a mathematician, and my father was a scientist, so I was constantly exposed to both subjects. My parents also brought me to African American physicians who were engaging rather than scary. Lastly, my uncle was a doctor, and my older sister also pursued a career in medicine. I knew by the time I was 10 years old that I wanted to be a doctor because of these inspirational role models.

Q: How does NMF support you in your quest to become a healer? 

The scholarship I received from NMF while in medical school did not require FAFSA forms or laborious requirements. Medical school was demanding enough – it was inspirational to know that an organization with which I had no history was willing to invest in my academic future.

I look forward to NMF continuing to tell their story of how they got started and the impact their financial contributions have made over the years to so many deserving students.

“NMF’s network of alumni continues to be one of its superpowers.”

Q: What advice do you have for students just beginning their medical education journeys?  

You were chosen for this profession for a reason. There are many patients waiting for you to finish this journey so you can care for them – so pace yourself. Take it one step at a time and make space to enjoy the experience along the way.

Q: If you had every resource at your disposal, how would you change medicine?

Each visit with your doctor would result in a meaningful experience, a more thorough understanding of your condition, and a safe space in which to share your stories. This ideal visit would be followed up with a phone call one week later to ensure you fully understand what was discussed, as well as your shared responsibility as the patient to address ailments.

No one would be denied care due to an inability to pay, and primary care doctors would be compensated commensurate with their 24 hours per day, 7 days per week responsibility. In fact, there would be enough medical providers so that no one would need to be on-call in addition to their 40-to-50-hour work weeks.

Q: Describe the kind of healthcare professional you want to be remembered as.

I strive to be the kind of physician who takes the time to break down barriers – cultural, educational, emotional – so that every person can fully understand their medical conditions and feel empowered in their care.

I also hope to be remembered as someone who lifts others as they climb, encouraging pre-med students. medical students, and newly minted doctors as they navigate their own journeys. Ultimately, I want my legacy to be one of compassion, clarity, and commitment to the next generation of healers.

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Dr. Newell-Harris co-authored Focus on Your Best Health, a guide for navigating today’s complex healthcare system. As the 16^th national president and first physician leader of The Links, Inc., she advanced initiatives in women’s health, human trafficking, behavioral health, and more.

A graduate of Tufts University and the University of Cincinnati with residency training at UCSF, she has received numerous honors, including the NMA Scroll of Merit, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award, and NMF’s Champion of Health Award for Distinguished Service.

Dr. Newell-Harris remains dedicated to advancing health literacy, patient advocacy, leadership development, and physician well-being through her platform, DoctorGlenda.com.

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