Candidate for election at 2026 Annual Meeting: Cynthia Romero, MD

4 Min Read

Elections will be held at the Annual Meeting of the House of Delegates on June 9, 2026.

Officers and five councils are elected by the American Medical Association House of Delegates (HOD) at the Annual Meeting. Elections for contested contests are held during a special election session under the supervision of the Committee on Rules and Credentials and the chief teller, who are appointed by the speakers. Voting is conducted by secret ballot.


Cynthia Romero, MD

Cynthia Romero, MD

Candidate for Council on Science & Public Health

Term: 2026-2030

 

 


Transforming community health through expert leadership

Dr. Cynthia Romero brings a wealth of hands-on expertise to the table, possessing a unique blend of grassroots patient care and high-level administrative experience. In her past roles directing the Virginia Department of Health and overseeing medical affairs for Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, she championed initiatives that bridged the gap between clinical practice and statewide population health.

Today, as a Professor of Family and Community Medicine, she focuses on preparing the next generation of physicians to understand the social drivers of health. Her real-world understanding of managing public health crises—from localized community challenges to supervising a massive student-led COVID-19 vaccination initiative—provides her with the critical insight needed to evaluate complex scientific issues on behalf of our AMA.

Driving innovative research and health equity solutions

As the driving force behind the M. Foscue Brock Institute, Dr. Romero serves as a trusted collaborator and strategic leader for Eastern Virginia. Her team develops and implements programs that address critical community needs, such as the "Minus 9 to 5" initiative focused on enhancing early childhood outcomes, and the annual Greater Hampton Roads Population Health Summit. 

Additionally, she spearheads vital community-based research. Her recent studies examine cancer incidence and mortality among individuals experiencing homelessness, assess food security through location intelligence, and analyze the impacts of the pandemic on Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. She knows that sound AMA policy must be rooted in rigorous, inclusive data that reflects the realities of our diverse patient populations.

A relentless advocate for the physician profession

Advocacy has been central to Dr. Romero's professional career. Her significant leadership roles in the Medical Society of Virginia and the Virginia Academy of Family Physicians, including serving as president of both organizations, exemplify her dedication to amplifying the voices of her colleagues. Furthermore, she is deeply invested in fostering a commitment to community service among trainees. By leading the Schroeder Center-Brock Institute Summer Fellowship, she consistently empowers medical students and residents to engage in health policy and public health intervention. She understands that preserving the practice of medicine requires strong leadership today and dedicated mentorship for the physicians of tomorrow.

Empowering future physicians in the community

Cynthia Romero, MD: Empowering future physicians

A clear vision for science and public health

The challenges facing our patients and our profession require an American Medical Association that is nimble, forward-thinking, and fiercely committed to scientific integrity. We are obligated to evaluate emerging public health threats and biomedical advancements with rigorous scrutiny and an unwavering dedication to equity. My entire career has been dedicated to transforming evidence into action with meaningful outcomes—whether diagnosing patients in the clinic, setting statewide health regulations, or investigating systemic disparities. As your representative on the Council on Science and Public Health, I will utilize my extensive expertise to ensure our policies are practical, deeply rooted in data, and designed to support physicians in delivering the highest quality of care. I am ready to do the hard work, and I humbly request your support.

Dr. Romero chairing Reference Committee C

Cynthia Romero, MD: Ref C chair

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