ATLANTA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 76th PRESIDENT, DR. KEVIN E. WOODS, WHO BELIEVES COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION CAN HELP HEAL OUR COMMUNITIES

Frank K. Jones, MD, M.P.H., FACS, Atlanta Medical Association President

president’s message

Welcome to our new website for the Atlanta Medical Association.  My name is Frank K. Jones, M.D. and I am proud to serve as the president of this phenomenal organization.  I stand on the shoulders of several great leaders that have served before me. We have a very rich history and a prosperous future. We are the largest local chapter and we are an award-winning chapter of the National Medical Association. In addition, we are the oldest, local, Black medical society in America. 

My major goal for the organization is to broaden the influence and impact we have on the community, and to increase the identity that we have in the community. I want this website to reflect our strategic vision for the future…we want to be innovative, informative, and involved.

Kevin E. Woods, MD, MPH, Atlanta Medical Association President

president’s message

Atlanta Medical Association, Incorporated (AMA) inducted their 76th President, Kevin E. Woods, MD, MPH. Dr.Woods is an Atlanta native, internationally recognized gastroenterologist and public health researcher. An alumnus of Morehouse College and Meharry Medical College, he completed his post-graduate training at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham & Women’s Hospital and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. 

we’re ready for the challenge!

The AMA is acutely aware that we are living in a pivotal and critical time in American history. As the AMA enters 131 years of service to the Atlanta metropolitan communities through scientific, legislative, public health and clinical care provided by its membership. Dr. Woods takes the reigns amid the novel COVID -19 pandemic and resulting public health crisis. The effects of the novel COVID-19 virus is illuminating and widening the gap in healthcare disparities along with the associated loss of life, financial and emotional stress that are disproportionately affecting communities of color and patients living in lower areas of socioeconomic status in Metro Atlanta. These inequities of healthcare and healthcare delivery offers an opportunity to all healthcare providers and our colleagues in the business, civic, education, not-for-profit, and medical technology sectors of Atlanta to serve our neighbors and colleagues in a greater capacity.

Dr. Woods’ vision is to focus on forging new and strengthening past relationships for collaborative innovation among the AMA membership, our medical schools, advanced fellowship programs, healthcare organizations, public health and civic organizations. AMA’s history advises and reminds us of the ever-changing health care delivery challenges and the legacy of health care disparities that continue to affect communities of color and other affected groups living in the U.S. with less than adequate social determinants of health.

His vision is to smartly leverage available technologies and partnerships to broaden the health, wealth and social impact of the AMA through advocacy, policy, fundraising and efforts to close the gap on health inequities in the greater Atlanta area.

Dr. Woods’ vision is to focus on forging new and strengthening past relationships for collaborative innovation among the AMA membership, our medical schools, advanced fellowship programs, healthcare organizations, public health and civic organizations. AMA’s history advises and reminds us of the ever-changing health care delivery challenges and the legacy of health care disparities that continue to affect communities of color and other affected groups living in the U.S. with less than adequate social determinates of health.  

 

His vision is to smartly leverage available technologies and partnerships to broaden the health, wealth and social impact of the AMA through advocacy, policy, fundraising and efforts to close the gap on health inequities in the greater Atlanta area.

Dr. Woods developed the first Advanced Imaging – Optical Endomicroscopy and Bariatric Endoscopy Program in the State of Georgia and is credited with establishing a world-class, state of the art Gastroenterology and Advanced Endoscopy service lines in the treatment of patients requiring prevention and management of GI cancers. He’s an innovator in his field and currently is the founder and managing partner of Therapeutic GI Endoscopy & Associates serving patients within the Metro Atlanta Area.   

 

Over the next two years, Dr. Woods’ vision and mission is to continue making some meaningful contributions to the Atlanta community through the work of the AMA and he believes that through collaborative innovation, we can continue to be a trusted source of leadership and inspiration for the next generation of healthcare providers and the communities that we serve. The AMA is well-positioned to effect this change in collaboration with our colleagues, hospital systems, insurance payers and private corporations to create a healthier Atlanta.

we’re ready for the challenge!

The Atlanta Medical Association is ready for the challenge. As we navigate this difficult time, we will emerge with a new image. Part of that new imagery will include this new website, new programming and new initiatives.  A new image does not mean that we have sacrificed any traits or traditions that we hold dear. We will continue to be strong advocates for our patients and for our members.   “Somehow, within this unforgiving terrain, we will continue to root ourselves in the African American community like the healing, African aloe plant…strong, adaptable and enduring” as we prepare for life with a new normal.

Welcome to our website and welcome to the Atlanta Medical Association.