Advancing Progress
National Medical Fellowships (NMF) works to address the physician shortage by broadening the pathways to medical education, providing leadership opportunities to ensure clinical research includes everyone, and supporting the success of medical students and current practitioners.
$2.7M
Scholarship, Education, Professional Development + Fee Assistance
1514
Scholarships and Fee Assistance Grants
137
Education and Professional Development Program Placements
$151K
Doctors in Clinical Trials Site Success Initiative Awards
Leadership
Your support fueled innovation and impact throughout 2024.
In 2024, National Medical Fellowships (NMF) engaged in bold strategic planning to ensure our vision for health excellence endured. In February, the organization convened its first joint board and staff retreat to complete development of the NMF Strategic Plan 2024-2028. This plan focuses on:
- Mission advancement
- Expansion of NMF legacy programs and new social impact initiatives
- Revenue diversification
- New and significant fundraising initiatives
- Additional capacity (human, technical, and financial)
Together, these priorities are designed to accelerate our efforts to build a future in which every person has access to the highest-quality healthcare. The need for NMF has never been more pressing as the United States faces a projected shortage of more than 187,000 physicians by 2037, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration.
As part of this transformational work, NMF also developed a comprehensive Programs Theory of Change — a framework that defines and describes how our programs build a high-quality and thriving healthcare workforce. It affirms our commitment to cultivating confident, compassionate leaders equipped to deliver excellent care to all.
NMF’s evidence-based levers of change are designed to increase access to education, reduce financial burdens, and support retention in medical education and early career transitions. The levers are:
- Foster financial empowerment
- Supplement traditional medical education with social mission-focused experiential learning
- Provide professional and career development anchored by structured mentoring and professional networks
While our internal work laid the foundation for lasting impact, we also expanded our reach and connection to the NMF community. From sold-out galas in Los Angeles and Atlanta to community gatherings in Martha’s Vineyard and New York City, NMF deepened relationships and built new ones. Our Board’s commitment to investing in building a newly expanded development team allowed for enhanced engagement with alumni, donors, and partners — sharing our progress and listening to the voices of those who power our mission forward.
Your support made all of this possible. Thank you for standing with NMF during this pivotal moment of growth and change. As we move into the future, we invite you to remain in community with us to build a healthcare workforce ready to deliver excellent care — for all.
Yours in health and audacious hope,
Michellene Davis, Esq.
President and CEO
Amplifying the Mission
In 2024, President and CEO Michellene Davis, Esq., shared
NMF’s mission on national stages and in leading publications.
Becker’s Hospital Review
Global Black Economic Forum at ESSENCE Festival
Inaugural New Jersey Black Women’s Collective Leadership Institute
Latino Medical Student Association
Milken Institute Global Conference
Morehouse School of Medicine
NBC 10 — Philadelphia
NJ.com
Pfizer Health Equity in Action Summit
Philadelphia Inquirer
ROI-NJ
Rolling Out
Root Cause Coalition
Shondaland
TEDx Santa Barbara
Think Tank with Steve Adubato
Scholar Profile
Full Circle: Bringing Healing Back to Farming Communities
Mentorship always comes full circle. I’m a mentor because NMF changed my trajectory with the lifelong connections it’s provided me. And when you invest in community members, they often reinvest back.”
Programs Theory of Change
NMF improves education access, reduces financial burdens, and supports retention and career growth.
National Medical Fellowships Inc. (NMF) programs strengthen the healthcare workforce by fostering confident, caring leaders committed to providing the highest-quality healthcare and advancing health excellence for all. NMF interventions are framed by evidence-based levers of change designed to increase access to high-quality education, reduce financial burdens, and support retention in medical education and early career transitions. These levers are fostering financial empowerment, supplementing traditional medical education with social mission-focused experiential learning, and providing professional and career development anchored by structured mentoring and professional networks.
Financial Empowerment
The high costs of medical education create barriers for many students to enter and persist throughout the career pathway. In the short term, when students are burdened with educational expenses, they often cannot take advantage of extracurricular enrichment opportunities, and their focus on academic and career pursuits becomes fragmented. There is a lack of resources to support the nonacademic living expenses that many medical students require to continue their studies. Over the long term, mounting debt issues hinder financial stability. To increase access to education, reduce financial burdens, and improve retention, NMF offers a range of financial and resource awards that enable students to concentrate on academics and career development. By reducing both short-term and long-term debt and providing resources for living expenses, NMF supports student retention and promotes a successful transition into the healthcare field.
Social Mission Education
Traditional medical education does not sufficiently address the social mission of training medical and health professionals, which is to prepare physicians and healthcare workers to serve the entire population — reaching and representing all communities. Leadership development is also largely absent from the standard curriculum, requiring additional learning experiences. NMF offers social mission-focused, experiential learning programs that enhance scholars’ knowledge and skills regarding best practices in community health. These programs present opportunities for scholars to cultivate and strengthen their collaborative leadership abilities so that they can address the health needs of all communities.
Professional and Career Development
There is a dearth of social capital support for scholars, physicians, and healthcare professionals. Research shows that structured mentoring and curated networking experiences are essential for academic and career success, as they promote retention by fostering a sense of belonging and enhancing career prospects. NMF’s professional and career development programs create valuable connections and provide academic and career guidance aimed at supporting educational and professional journeys. Such initiatives help cultivate professional identities and develop crucial clinical and leadership skills. NMF’s integrated academic and professional development strategies promote persistence in medical education and facilitate successful transitions into the healthcare workforce.
Social Mission Education Scholar Profile
Bridging Communities and Health Systems with a Doctorate in Pharmacy
Scholarships, Awards, Education, and Professional Development Programs
National Medical Fellowships (NMF) expanded its support for scholars and emerging investigators through new opportunities, streamlined processes, and meaningful community engagement.
NMF supports individuals engaged in advanced study and training to pursue a career in the healthcare professions, which is urgently needed. For example, there is a projected shortage of 187,130 physicians in the United States by 2037. NMF scholars include medical students as well as other students matriculating into programs related to healthcare, such as nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, and public health.
Scholarships and Awards
One of the year’s most impactful new initiatives was a collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), which provided $670 awards to 1,340 students to help offset the high cost of licensing exams. This vital support helped ease financial strain for aspiring physicians navigating the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) process. Due to the program’s success and high demand, NMF renewed this opportunity for 2025, increasing the award to $680.
NMF implemented six programs that supported the professional growth of 137 scholars and provided 54 physician leaders with clinical research education to facilitate their desire to become principal investigators in clinical trials. Additionally, 116 mentors were engaged, fostering meaningful relationships and providing academic, research, and career guidance to the scholars. The programs also facilitated 112 community site partnerships that promoted community involvement and valuable real-world learning opportunities.
2024 also marked the successful completion of the first year of NMF’s scholarship cycle system. This new model features a common scholarship application and awards scholarships in four cycles per year, significantly increasing accessibility for applicants while reducing administrative burden, enabling NMF to reach and support more students across its programs.
Newly awarded scholarships for 2024 included:
- Dr. Nathalie Johnson — CareOregon (Two awardees received $25,000 each)
- Drs. Lawrence and Faith Brown Memorial Scholarship (Two awardees received $12,000 each)
- The Levi and Baumgarten Family Scholarship Fund (One awardee received $5,000)
- Dorothy & Willie Williams Memorial Scholarship for Aspiring Physicians Scholarship (One awardee received $5,000)
NMF also offered $50,000 in emergency funding to scholars experiencing unexpected financial hardships during their medical education.
Education Programs
In partnership with the Brave of Heart Fund, NMF kicked off the second year of the Health Excellence Leadership Program, celebrating the achievements of 10 out of the program's 30 scholars at the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. These scholars presented and showcased their research projects, demonstrating the program’s commitment to advancing health through impactful scholarship and innovative research. Former scholars also joined the event, creating opportunities for connection and inspiration.
The Alliance for Innovation in Medicine Program (AIM), funded by Johnson & Johnson, entered its third cohort and marked a significant achievement this year with the introduction of the first cohort of PharmD students, totaling 40 scholars (20 M.D. and 20 PharmD students). This innovative approach fosters a collaborative learning environment, allowing both M.D. and PharmD scholars to thrive together in a unified program that provides industry and professional knowledge and skills through exposure to pharmaceutical medicine and leadership development. Read about Faneese Muyah's experience in the program.
Professional Development Programs
In 2024, 28 scholars participated in the Primary Care Leadership Program, a 6-week internship at three Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Each scholar received a $7,000 scholarship, generously funded by AltaMed and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.
Service and leadership remained core values of NMF programs. During the Primary Care Leadership Program (PCLP) Community Service Day, scholars deepened their connection to public service by partnering with the Hollywood Food Coalition to prepare and distribute food to communities in need.
Research shows that structured mentoring and curated networking experiences are essential for academic and career success, as they promote retention by fostering a sense of belonging and enhancing career prospects.
To better understand the needs of its growing medical, scholar, physician, and researcher network, NMF conducted a comprehensive Mentorship Needs Assessment, gathering insights from over 100 students, scholars, and alumni. The survey highlighted that the most preferred mentorship models are traditional 1:1 mentorship, pairing scholars with more experienced medical students or practicing physicians. Students emphasized the importance of intergenerational group meetings that bring together mentors and mentees from different generations. Scholars also expressed the need for affinity group membership centered around specific areas or topics. Nearly half (48%) of mentees reported that mentor matching remained one of the main challenges they faced, particularly in finding suitable mentors and establishing effective relationships. These findings will guide the development of a formal mentorship program, slated for a potential launch in 2026.
In 2024, National Medical Fellowships (NMF) continued to strengthen its commitment to ensuring clinical research benefits all patient communities through the growth and evolution of the Doctors in Clinical Trials Research (DCTR) program. With a strategic blend of new initiatives, convenings, and infrastructure-building support, the program is helping to pave the way for emerging investigators (EIs) to lead new research. NMF is grateful to its 2024 funders for the program: Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Genentech, AstraZeneca, and AbbVie.
The DCTR program enrolled 54 physician leaders who sought to lead clinical trials. These emerging investigators (EIs) joined the training program, and 43 completed the program by the end of 2024. Since DCTR’s inception in 2021, the program has enrolled 226 EIs, with 186 of them completing the training, garnering an impressive 82% overall completion rate.
The DCTR program anchored the year with several events designed to foster community, elevate thought leadership, and create professional development pathways. NMF hosted bicoastal summits for early-career clinical researchers in Anaheim, California, and Durham, North Carolina, to connect, network, and advance conversations on clinical trial accessibility. NMF also served as a content partner at the Health Equity Congress, sharing expertise on broadening participation in clinical trials. A focused roundtable explored the unique challenges faced by less experienced investigators, generating recommendations to ease their journeys. The year concluded with a virtual culmination event in December, offering reflection, connection, and celebration of progress made.
The DCTR program also launched several strategic enhancements. The team introduced a new site feasibility assessment to evaluate and support the readiness of trial sites, with the goal of positioning emerging investigators for long-term success. Through a structured EI profile development effort, the program worked to expand patient reach and document research capabilities more effectively. NMF also convened an EI Advisory Committee to guide program development, offer lived expertise, and engage in thought leadership.
The team also launched the DCTR Site Success Initiative, an infrastructure support program designed to coach research-naïve primary investigators. The initiative provides end-to-end guidance, including site evaluations, investigator profile creation, contract and budget planning, and liaison services between sponsors, clinical research organizations, and investigators. The initiative supports patient recruitment and marketing efforts to ensure comprehensive trial site preparedness. Progress included identifying two inaugural sites in early 2024, conducting mid-year quality assessments, and preparing for implementation and outcome reporting phases in 2025 and 2026.
The Site Success Initiative was piloted with Dr. Teriya Richmond and Dr. David Smith. They received a total of $151,121 in funding for infrastructure improvements to prepare their sites for conducting clinical trials. Qualification visits were conducted at each doctor’s facility to assess their specific needs.
Through these programs to advance financial empowerment, social mission education, and professional and career development, NMF continues to support the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Emerging Investigator Profile
Boutique Private Practice: The Business of Medicine
Alumni Engagement and Impact
Strengthening the Ties That Shape the Future
National Medical Fellowships (NMF) alumni are not only a testament to the power of our mission but also essential to making it happen. NMF alumni are accomplished physicians, researchers, and healthcare leaders who deliver compassionate care, drive systemic change, and mentor the next generation of health professionals. In 2024, NMF deepened alumni engagement through expanded initiatives designed to celebrate their journeys, amplify their voices, and grow their impact.
The Journey Matters program continued to spotlight the inspiring paths of NMF alumni, showcasing their perseverance, purpose, and progress. Accomplished alumni shared stories of the profound impact NMF has made on their journey through medical school, into residency, and in their careers. NMF scholars had the opportunity to ask questions and gain inspiration from these remarkable individuals.
NMF is grateful to Omondi Nyong’o, M.D., FAAO; Roselyn M. Hicks, M.D.; Marco Proaño, M.D.; Gianna Ramos, M.D.; and Rachel Buckle-Rashed, M.D., for volunteering their time and sharing their stories with 65 scholars and alumni.
NMF also proudly offered Seeding Excellence, a program featuring scholars and young alumni who shared how they were navigating medical school, residency, and their early careers. These intimate discussions provided an opportunity for scholars and alumni to forge connections, share strategies, and fortify resilience. Joel Burt-Miller, M.D., MPH, M.S.; Aerial Petty, D.O.; Bryan Torres, M.S.; and Stella O. Fagbemi, M.D., generously volunteered to be featured speakers in 2024 and connect with 76 scholars and alumni.
In-person engagement remained a cornerstone of our efforts. At the National Medical Association Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly, NMF connected with alumni from across the country to build community, share updates, and listen to their ideas for shaping the future of the organization.
As we look ahead, NMF is committed to nurturing its alumni community and expanding opportunities for connection, leadership, and impact. Alumni are more than part of NMF’s history — they are the architects of the healthier future we are working to build.
Alumni Profile
Rooted in Purpose, Driven By Impact
Celebrating Results
Building on a new brand unveiled in late 2023, National Medical Fellowships (NMF) found new ways to tell its story and engage audiences.
Our communications efforts were guided by a clear purpose: to amplify NMF’s mission through authentic storytelling, strategic outreach, and consistent, values-driven messaging. With a revitalized visual identity and voice, NMF leaned into its mission to amplify the work of its scholars, alumni, and partners while championing issues related to persistence and excellence in medical education and healthcare leadership.
NMF held its first media engagement dinner in New York City in June. The event drew journalists representing The New York Times, ABC News/Good Morning America, WNBC News 4 New York, and freelance writers with bylines in national publications. This was an opportunity for members of the media to meet with NMF alumni, scholars, and team members to discuss healthcare and tell new stories.
The conversation centered on NMF’s first-ever exploratory survey on the well-being of NMF alumni and scholars. The survey highlighted the importance of providing mentoring, emotional, and social supports to foster improved mental health, retention in medical education, and early career persistence. The survey was made possible by support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and NMF gala contributors.
NMF issued national wire releases on the exploratory survey as well as the success of NMF’s bicoastal galas. More than 750 outlets ran NMF content, including the Associated Press, Yahoo Finance, Black Enterprise, Benzinga, Morningstar, DC/MD/VA Biotech Networks, and LA Biotech Networks.
Match Day 2024 media coverage provided an opportunity for NMF to spread awareness of its mission. The Philadelphia Tribune published an NMF commentary on the importance of supporting medical students. The newspaper is the nation’s oldest continuously published newspaper reflecting the African American experience, with a print readership of more than 370,000 and an online readership of more than 180,000 unique monthly visitors. NMF President and CEO Michellene Davis, Esq., was also featured on NBC 10 in Philadelphia, which serves over 7.5 million viewers throughout Greater Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, South Jersey, and Delaware.
On its own platforms, NMF launched a redesigned “Support Us” section on its website, creating a more accessible and inspiring digital space for donors to learn about giving opportunities, make contributions, and explore the many ways to support the organization’s mission. The refreshed content emphasized transparency, gratitude, and community impact — strengthening relationships with current supporters and welcoming new ones.
Across all platforms, storytelling remained central to NMF’s communications. Through multimedia features, scholar spotlights, and recap articles, NMF highlighted the personal journeys and triumphs of those working to transform healthcare.
NMF’s monthly newsletters took on a new life, offering engaging headlines, profiles, and timely updates that informed and inspired thousands of subscribers. On social media, the organization expanded its reach by celebrating milestones, encouraging philanthropy, sharing relevant news, and encouraging action, resulting in stronger audience engagement and visibility. It also launched its “Converging Visions: The Intersection of Art and Healing” campaign to engage artists working in this space to expand NMF’s reach. The inaugural featured artist was Tasha Nicolé Burton, whose “When the Womb Is Tender” photography project explores the impact of uterine fibroids.
Through every campaign, post, plan, and publication, NMF communicated a clear message: The future of healthcare depends on a thriving workforce. By celebrating our impact through strategic and heartfelt communications, NMF continues to build a powerful movement toward health excellence.
Elevating Philanthropy
Expanding Support to Power a Healthier Future
In 2024, National Medical Fellowships experienced an outpouring of philanthropic support — driven by a renewed focus on community, connection, and a shared commitment to health excellence. With the generous support of our partners, donors, and champions, NMF raised more than $5.4 million, including over $1 million in planned gifts, to support our mission and expand opportunities to develop a healthcare workforce committed to delivering excellent care to all.
The team engaged with more than 1,025 prospects through personal outreach — via email, phone calls, and in-person meetings — to foster meaningful relationships and align shared values with impactful giving. These efforts translated into direct support for scholarships, programming, and capacity-building at every level of the organization.
NMF’s signature fundraising events brought our mission to life with powerful storytelling and joyful celebration. This Time, This Place galas in Los Angeles and Atlanta were both sold-out successes, drawing hundreds of attendees in support of our scholars and raising over $1 million for the organization. In August, NMF hosted its annual Conversations of Consequence event on Martha’s Vineyard, a space for fellowship and dialogue among alumni and supporters. The team also reunited with alumni and partners at the NMF@NMA Community Gathering during the National Medical Association Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly, reinforcing the importance of collective action and engagement.
This year also marked an expansion of scholarship funds. Through the generosity of foresighted donors, NMF established the following:
- Dr. Muriel Petioni Scholarship Fund
- Dr. Nathalie Johnson Scholarship
- Dr. Silas J. Norman Scholarship
- Drs. Lawrence Stewart Jr. and Faith Nicole Brown in Memory of Lawrence S. Brown III
- Eurgia & Marlon Dianne Land Scholarship
- The Dr. Milele Likivu Kudumu Bynum Scholarship of Tenacity and Resilience
- The Levi and Baumgarten Family Scholarship
Each of these scholarships embodies a deep commitment to excellence in medicine and will support scholars who are determined to positively transform healthcare.
NMF also engaged in an important partnership with the National Board of Medical Examiners to establish the NMF/NBME Educational Assistance Award Fund for students with demonstrated financial need to use toward the registration cost of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination®.
As we look to the future, NMF remains profoundly grateful to our donors, partners, and friends. Their generosity ensures that our mission endures — and that generations of NMF scholars and alumni can continue to lead, serve, and provide excellent healthcare to everyone.
Donor Profile
A Life of Healing, Education, and Advocacy
Donors and Partners 2024
Philanthropy fuels healthcare leadership
In 2024, National Medical Fellowships (NMF) was proud to receive generous support from individuals and organizations committed to strengthening the healthcare workforce and expanding opportunities for future physician, research, and healthcare leaders.
Thanks to your investment, NMF provided more scholarships and awards, expanded education and professional development programs, and created new resources to support scholars, alumni, and emerging investigators throughout their professional journeys. Your partnership helps ensure that communities across the country will benefit from compassionate, highly skilled healers who reflect and understand the people they serve.
We are sincerely grateful for your support and partnership in building a healthier future for all.
$1,000,000 or more
e4e Relief
National Board of Medical Examiners
$500,000 or more
AltaMed Health Services Corporation
Ms. Laura Wohlford
$250,000 or more
The Carl Bradford Anderson Revocable Living Trust
Johnson & Johnson Foundation
Estate of Art Kaemmer
United Health Foundation
Dr. Lawrence S. Brown
$100,000 or more
Care Oregon
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Government Employees Health Association, Inc.
Governor Jon S. Corzine
$50,000 or more
Association for Community Affiliated Plans
Association of American Medical Colleges
Estate of Barbara Friedberg
Genentech, Inc.
L.A. Care Health Plan
Ms. Linda Randolph†
Dr. Felecia G. Williams
$25,000 or more
Alliant Health Solutions
Don Levin Trust
Doximity, Inc.
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Merck & Co., Inc.
Nathan Cummings Foundation
Ms. Michellene Davis, Esq.
$10,000 or more
AbbVie
Blue Shield of California
Children's Hospital Los Angeles Medical Group
CommonSpirit Health
The Commonwealth Fund
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies
Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
Skai Blue Media
The Monique Weill Caulier Charitable Trust
Ms. Isa Ellis
Anne E. Estabrook, MBA
Dr. Jamila I. Fletcher
Dr. John F. Milligan
Dr. David G. Nichols
Dr. Monica M. Rivera
Ms. Ali Santore
Dr. Dennis J. Tanner
Dr. Reed V. Tuckson
Dr. Calvin B. Wheeler
$5,000 or more
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
California Healthcare Foundation
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science
Creary Family Foundation
Health in Her Hue
Keck Medical School of USC
Susan Smith McKinney Steward Medical Society
Weill Cornell Medicine
Dr. Fernando H. Austin
Dr. Cynthia S. Carter
Dr. and Mrs. Charles L. Cromwell
Ms. Mirian M. Graddick-Weir
Dr. Eurgia C. Land
Mr. Wright L. Lassiter
Mrs. Marilyn Levi-Baumgarten
Dr. Sandra A. Lowe
Dr. Denise A. McGuffin
Ms. Mary-Eliese Merrill
Dr. Jan N. Roberts
Ms. Jennifer M. Schlener-Thomas
Dr. Ronnie D. Shade
Mr. David R. St. Germain
Drs. Efrain Talamantes and Sherrill Brown-Talamantes
Mrs. Kathy R. Taylor
Dr. Joan Woodward
$2,500 or more
Charities Aid Foundation America
The Bellamy Family Fund
The Hodges Washington Giving Fund
Souder Law Group, LLP
Dr. Kevin S. Bowman
Dr. Cedric M. Bright
Dr. Tamu T. Brown
Dr. Gary C. Butts
Dr. Maurice L. Chaplin
Ms. Tonja Hampton
Dr. Matthew S. Keefer
Dr. Veronica T. Mallett
Ms. Kia Martin
Dr. Jennifer Miller
Dr. Chala A. S. Pratt
Dr. Michael G. Stewart
Dr. Robert M. White
$1,000 or more
The Good Beginning
Kaufman Dolowich LLP
Marcus-Ring Family Fund
The Merck Foundation
RWJBarnabas Health – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Well-Being and Equity
Zoffinger Family Fund
Dr. Ganya Alvarado
Dr. Nelson L. Adams
Dr. Carl B. Anderson
Dr. Laura G. Andima
Dr. Martha R. Andrews
Mrs. Linda Armstrong
Mr. Kweku Awotwi, MBA
Dr. Richard S. Baker and Mrs. Karen Grace-Baker
Dr. Alfonso F. Banuelos and Mrs. Suzanne Wittrig
Dr. Sylvia Bartee
Dr. Bryan P. Baugh
Dr. David P. Bayne
Dr. Xylina D. Bean
Mr. Scott Becker
Dr. Ray A. Blackwell
Dr. and Mrs. Walter P. Bland
Dr. Harold G. Brandford and Mrs. Mary Jo Newhouse
Dr. Maria Alexander-Bridges and Kenneth Bridges
Dr. Delma L. Broussard
Mrs. Tami L. Brown
Dr. Kathleen Brown
Dr. and Mrs. John M. Carethers
Drs. David M. and Sylvia Carlisle
Ms. Bithiah Carter
Dr. and Mrs. Melvin L. Clayton
Mrs. Millicent Cox-Edwards
Mrs. Tamatra L. Crook
Dr. Sandra C. Darden
Mr. Ellis Dean
Dr. Elizabeth A. Diaz
Dr. Van H. Dunn and Mrs. Linda Spradley Dunn
Amialya Durairaj
Mr. Curtis D. Ellis and Dr. Melody C. Carter
Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Engram
Dr. Stephanie D. Flagg
Dr. Richard Green
Dr. Karen J. Greene and Mr. Jack Greene
Dr. and Mrs. Clyde E. Henderson
Ms. Denise W. Hines
Dr. Shireda Howard
Dr. Alisahah J. Jackson
Dr. John A. Jernigan
Ms. Maria A. Keller
Ms. Donna Lane
Ms. Christy Law Blanchard
Dr. Michael R. Lozano
Dr. Michael Malik
Dr. Elena Martinez
Dr. Robert T. Maupin
Dr. Adrienne D. Mims
Dr. Brandon Mines
Ms. Marianne Moore
Mr. C. Anthony Mulrain
Ms. Mildred Nichols
Dr. Nancy R. Orendain
Mr. Miguel A. Pozo, Esq.
Mr. Brian Rahmer
Dr. Peter E. Ramirez, MD
Dr. and Mrs. Phillip C. Reed
Ms. Rakia Reynolds
Dr. Lisa C. Richardson
Dr. and Mrs. Alexander Rodarte
Ms. Hyacinth Ross
Dr. Delwyn H. Sargeant
Mr. Cecil J. Sells
Dr. Thomas D. Sequist
Mr. Derrick T. Smith
Calvin Souder
Valerie Stone
Janet M. Tranquada
Dr. Donna R. Twisdale
Dr. John H. Vassall
Ms. Carmen S. Villar
Ms. Karol C. Walker
Dr. Tonya N. Walker
Mr. Steven Wallace
Dr. Judith C. Watson
Dr. Raymond V. Wedderburn
Dr. Mei Ling A. Yee
Dr. Richard G. Younge and Mrs. Yukiko A. Umemoto
(†) Deceased
NMF is deeply appreciative of its most loyal donors who give every year.
This consistent philanthropy builds a sound base for NMF’s work to thrive.
20+ Years of Consecutive Giving
Ms. Mirian M. Graddick-Weir
Dr. Harriet L. Granger Gordon
Dr. and Mrs. Robert J. McLean
10+ Years of Consecutive Giving
Dr. and Mrs. Robert H. Abramovitz
Dr. and Mrs. Eduardo Ajuria
Dr. Eric W. Ayers
Dr. Christopher D. Bencomo
Dr. Cedric M. Bright
Drs. Bobbi and Barry Coller
Dr. Melvin Featherstone
Dr. Ernie Guzman
Dr. and Mrs. Jackie A. Hayes
Dr. Rhadjena P. Hilliard
Ms. Anne Johnson
Dr. Michael R. Lozano and Mrs. Fisseha Felleke
Dr. Susan R. Morales
Dr. Sandra B. Nichols
Dr. Donald A. Nisbett
Dr. Donald and Mrs. Oken
Dr. Javette C. Orgain
Dr. Peter E. Ramirez
Dr. and Mrs. Phillip C. Reed
Drs. Kay M. and Scott Reichlin
Dr. Lisa C. Richardson
Dr. Vena B. Ricketts
Dr. Jan N. Roberts
Dr. and Mrs. Chester K. Robinson
Dr. Shelley R. Slaughter
Dr. Allen C. Small
Drs. Efrain Talamantes and Sherrill Brown-Talamantes
Dr. Robert M. White
Dr. Richard G. Younge and Mrs. Yukiko A. Umemoto
5+ Years of Consecutive Giving
Dr. Nelson L. Adams and Mrs. Effie Adams
Dr. Brenda Aiken
Dr. Laura G. Andima
Dr. Alfonso F. Banuelos and Mrs. Suzanne Wittrig
Dr. Glen J. Barbee
Dr. Sylvia Bartee
Mr. Rahman Batin
Dr. Bryan P. Baugh
Dr. Ray A. Blackwell
Dr. Tamu T. Brown
Dr. Sherrill Brown-Talamantes
Dr. Melody C. Carter and Mr. Curtis D. Ellis
Dr. Maurice L. Chaplin
Dr. Robert A. Clinton
Dr. Karen M. Costley
Dr. Lisa J. Crossley
Dr. Sandra C. Darden
Dr. Diane Devita
Don Levin Trust
Dr. Arlene V. Donaldson
Dr. Rita A. Ellsworth
Dr. and Mrs. Arthur M. Flippin
Dr. Barbara J. Freeman
Dr. Alvaro Garza and Ms. Aurora Licudine
Dr. Jorge A. Garza
Dr. Jill M. Harrison
5+ Years of Consecutive Giving, Continued
Dr. Washington C. Hill
Ms. Denise W. Hines
Dr. Robert A. Horwitz
Drs. Raynard S. Kington and Peter Daniolos
Dr. and Mr. Laurrie M. Knight
Dr. Lawrence S. Lackey and Ms. Sandra Jones-Lackey
Dr. Robert T. Maupin
Mr. Walter Maynard
Ms. Mary-Eliese Merrill
Ms. Marydell Merrill
Ms. Marianne Moore
Dr. Angel L. Morales
Dr. James A. Parker
Dr. Ruth C. Penn
Dr. Vivian W. Pinn
Dr. Dale K. Rader
Dr. Monica M. Rivera
Ms. Kirsten Roberts
Dr. Roman Rodriguez
Dr. Jeanne L. Rosenthal
Dr. Delwyn H. Sargeant
Ms. Jennifer M. Schlener-Thomas
Dr. Ronnie D. Shade
Dr. Dennis J. Tanner
Dr. and Mrs. Claude J. Tellis
Dr. Javier A. Valadez
Dr. Christine M. Valdes
Dr. Calvin B. Wheeler and Ms. Sarajane Miller-Wheeler
Dr. Felecia G. Williams
Dr. and Mrs. Scott P. Worrell
3+ Years of Consecutive Giving
Mr. Myles Akabas
Dr. Martha R. Andrews
Dr. David P. Bayne
Dr. Alfreda D. Blackshear
Dr. Kathleen Brown
Michellene Davis, Esq.
Dr. Elizabeth A. Diaz
Dr. Jonathan D. Dubin
Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Engram
Ms. Tonja Hampton
Dr. Kerry C. Hughes
Dr. Harold D. Jones
Dr. Joyce Y. Jordan
Ms. Christy Law Blanchard
Dr. Allison A. Malcolm
Dr. Michael Malik
Dr. Elena Martinez
Dr. and Mrs. Donald Maxwell
Dr. Carol McMillan Lonesome
Drs. Ernesto O. and Norma Parra
Dr. Pamela H. Payne-Foster
Dr. Eliseo J. Perez-Stable
Dr. Donna M. Perisee
Ms. Arlene Shaner
Dr. Virginia J. Simmons
Dr. Reed V. Tuckson and Mrs. Marjorie M. Tuckson
Dr. Arnold F. Turner
Dr. Daphne K. Walker
Mr. Steven Wallace
Dr. Paul T. Wesley
Financials 2024
National Medical Fellowships ended 2024 with $6.6 million in total net assets, including nearly $3.5 million in net assets without donor restrictions. Total revenue and support were $6.4 million, including $452,700 in investment returns.
Total operating expenses were $10.9 million as the organization invested in capacity-building and restructuring in 2024 to fuel future revenue growth. NMF’s investment positioned the organization for future growth and impact by strengthening and restructuring its executive, development, and programs teams, which increased spending on supporting services by $1.3 million and on program services by $1.6 million.
Program services spending reflects the organization’s successful efforts to revamp its scholarship awarding program delivery processes to gain efficiency and prepare the organization to execute a new strategic plan in future years.
NMF Financial Summary
Statements of Financial Position as of December 31
Assets
| Cash and cash equivalents | $2,107,200 |
| Grant, contributions, and pledges receivable, net | $934,141 |
| Prepaid expenses and deposits | $136,655 |
| Right-of-use assets - operating lease | $216,941 |
| Investments at fair value | $6,406,892 |
| Property and equipment, net | $4,820 |
| Total assets | $9,806,649 |
Liabilities and Net Assets
| Liabilities | |
|---|---|
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $438,848 |
| Refundable grant advances | $2,493,587 |
| Lease liability-operating lease | $235,276 |
| Total liabilities | $3,167,711 |
| Net Assets | |
|---|---|
| Without donor restrictions | $3,479,537 |
| With donor restrictions | $3,159,400 |
| Total net assets | $6,638,937 |
| Total liabilities and net assets | $9,806,649 |
Support and Revenue
| Contributions | $2,172,040 |
| Grants | $3,239,339 |
| Event revenue | $476,600 |
| Investment returns, net | $452,709 |
| Other revenue | $50,517 |
| Total support and revenue | $6,391,205 |
Operating Expenses
| Program Services | |
|---|---|
| Scholarships and awards | $2,463,347 |
| Service-learning programs | $2,238,403 |
| Public information and alumni relations | $922,222 |
| Post-graduate programs | $1,127,669 |
| Total Program Services | $6,751,641 |
| Supporting Services | |
|---|---|
| Management and general | $2,408,889 |
| Fundraising | $1,878,055 |
| Total supporting services | $4,286,944 |
| Non-operating activities | |
| Unrealized gain (loss) on investments | ($46,818) |
| Decrease in net assets | ($4,600,562) |
| Net assets, beginning of year | $11,239,499 |
| Net assets, end of year | $6,638,937 |
In Memoriam
National Medical Fellowships Pays Tribute to Two Impactful Leaders
LUDLOW B. CREARY, M.D., MPH
NMF is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Ludlow B. Creary, a devoted supporter and groundbreaking physician whose life’s work transformed the future of medicine. A passionate healer and advocate, Dr. Creary championed access to medical education and care for under-resourced communities, co-founding West Adams Hospital—the first in California owned and operated by Black physicians—and helping establish Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital in Los Angeles.
Alongside his wife, Dr. Ruth Creary, he co-founded the Creary Family Foundation, supporting over 50 nonprofits. They created the Drs. Ludlow and Ruth Creary Family Foundation Scholarship with NMF in 2020. The couple’s generosity has helped raise tens of millions of dollars to advance health excellence. Honored with NMF’s Legacy Award in 2019, the Crearys were widely regarded as a “power couple” in health and behavioral care.
Dr. Creary served as the inaugural Chair of Family Medicine at Charles R. Drew University and UCLA and remained active in community service and mentorship throughout his life. His book, “Getting Through: Uplifting Words on Overcoming, Persevering & Achieving,” offers timeless wisdom drawn from a remarkable journey.
NMF is deeply grateful for Dr. Creary’s enduring legacy and the lives he uplifted through medicine, mentorship, and philanthropy.
CASS HOUGH, JR.
National Medical Fellowships (NMF) mourns the passing of Cass Hough, Jr., a past board member who was a visionary and dedicated leader. Mr. Hough’s unwavering commitment to NMF’s mission was reflected in his tireless support of the aspiring doctors who NMF serves.
After leaving the U.S. Air Force, he made his career in the Employee Relations Division of the Upjohn Company, soon rising to become one of the youngest vice presidents in its history.
A long resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan, he passed away in April of 2024 at the age of 91. Mr. Hough was very active in his community, advocating for school desegregation in the 1970s and serving as president of Big Brothers of Kalamazoo.
His legacy lives on in NMF’s ongoing mission to develop a healthcare workforce committed to achieving better health for everyone.
Board of Directors 2024
Officers
Bryan Baugh, M.D., Chair
Global Medical Affairs Leader, HIV, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine
Cedric M. Bright, M.D., FACP, Vice Chair
Former Associate Dean for Admissions, Professor of Internal Medicine, and Interim Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, Brody School of Medicine
Jennifer Schlener, Secretary
Chief of Staff, Association of American Medical Colleges
Efrain Talamantes, M.D., MBA, M.Sc., FACP*, Treasurer
Chief Operating Officer of Health Services, AltaMed Health Services
Michellene Davis, Esq., President & CEO
National Medical Fellowships
Members
Kweku Awotwi, MBA, D.Sc.
Chair, UBA Bank, Chair, Multimedia Group, Chair/Co-Founder, PlaySoccer
Gary Butts, M.D.
Executive Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Mt. Sinai Health System, Dean of Diversity Programs, Policy, and Community Affairs, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai
Félix Manuel Chinea, M.D.
Director, Health Equity & Inclusion Strategy, Doximity
The Hon. Jon Corzine, MBA
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer, JDC-JSC Opportunity Fund, Former U.S. Senator, Former New Jersey Governor, Prior CEO, Goldman Sachs
Imelda Dacones, M.D.
Pacific Northwest Market President, Optum
Kim Henderson, M.D.
Managing Director, Head of Wealth Management Health and Wellness Education, Morgan Stanley
John A. Johnson, M.D., MBA, FACP
Chief Medical Officer, Government Employees Health Association
Pamela T. Miller, Esq.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Summit Global Strategies, Ltd.
Dallas Lea, M.D.
Principal Partner, Lea Medical Partners, LLC
Miguel Alexander Pozo, Esq.
Member, Cozen O’Connor
Rakia Reynolds
Founder and Executive Officer, Skai Blue Media
Carmen Sachiko Villar, MSW
Vice President, ESG and Corporate Citizenship, Gilead Sciences
Calvin Wheeler, M.D.*
Assistant Professor of Clinical Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine
* NMF Alumni
Global Advisory Council
Kweku Awotwi, M.B.A., D.Sc.
Chair, UBA Bank; Chair, Multimedia Group; Chair/Co-Founder, PlaySoccer
Lynda Decker, M.D.
Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Federation of Ghana
Anne Estabrook, M.B.A.
Owner and Chair, Elberon Development Group
Linnie Golightly, M.D.*
Associate Dean of Diversity and Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College
Rosalind Kainyah, M.B.E.
Board Director, ESG Lawyer
Reynaldo Ortíz-Minaya, Ph.D.
Professor of Sociology, Howard University
Justice Yankson, M.D., M.B.A., Esq.
Vice President, Ghana Medical Association
Board Member Profile
Evolving Health Care Media and Medical Mindsets
NMF Team 2024
Office of the President and CEO
Michellene Davis, Esq.
President and CEO
Gizelle Clemens, MPA
Senior Director, Alumni Engagement and Impact
Michele Junker
Board Liaison
Karen Proctor
Senior Vice President of Practice and Chief Administrative Officer
Brian Rahmer, Ph.D., M.S.
Senior Impact Policy Advisor/Special Assistant to the CEO
Heather Wainwright,
Executive Assistant to the President and CEO
Communications
Christy Law Blanchard, M.S.
Assistant Vice President, Strategic Communications
Meg Fry
Assistant Director, Content Development
Hayveyah McGowan
Assistant Director, Multimedia Design and Production
Adora Waldron, M.S.
Assistant Director of Digital Engagement
Development
Gina Lee Gossett
Special Events and Development Manager
James Han
Database Manager
Zach Lyncee
Assistant Director, Individual Giving
Angie O'Neal
Director of Advancement Services
Camille Sears
Director of Corporate and Foundation Giving
Derrick T. Smith
Executive Director of Development
Allison Toich
Executive Assistant for the Vice President of Advancement
John K. White Jr., MBA
Vice President of Advancement
Devonta Williams
Advancement Services Manager
Finance and Operations
Rosa De Los Santos
Operations Manager
Dawn Phelps, MBA
Chief Financial Officer
Stephanie Vincent, SHRM-SCP
Human Resources Business Partner
Programs
Laveina Dash
Director, Doctors in Clinical Research
Keona Davis, MA
Senior Program Manager, Doctors in Clinical Research
Roman Meza
Program Assistant, Doctors in Clinical Research
Antonia Molina
Program Manager, Scholarships and Awards
Prisca Morisma, MA
Program Manager, Service-Learning Programs
Tracey Newman, CDM, CCDM
Assistant Vice President, Global Programs and Doctors in Clinical Research*
Kori Richardson, MPPA
Senior Program Manager, Scholarships and Service-Learning Programs
Amber Riste
Program Assistant, Scholarships and Service-Learning Programs
Madeline Toombs
Program Assistant, Scholarships and Service-Learning Programs
Laura Uzzell, MS
Program Manager, Service-Learning Programs
Support NMF's Work by
Making a Gift Today
At National Medical Fellowships (NMF), we are steadfast in our commitment to advancing health excellence by supporting the next generation of physicians and healthcare leaders. By increasing access to education, reducing financial burdens, and supporting retention in medical education and early career transitions, we equip our scholars and alumni with the tools they need to thrive and to serve.
As our nation faces a projected shortage of more than 187,000 physicians by 2037 and persistent challenges in access to care, NMF scholars and alumni are answering the call. They are stepping into the communities that need them most, leading with compassion, and working to close critical gaps in our health system.
Your support makes this possible. It helps NMF scholars persist through medical school, succeed in residency, and enter the workforce ready to provide the highest-quality care where it’s urgently needed.
By investing in these future leaders, you are shaping a healthier tomorrow. Thank you for believing in our mission — and in them.