Yolanda R. Lawson, MD

Yolanda Lawson, MD, holds the position of National Medical Association (NMA) representative on the Underrepresented in Medicine Advocacy Section (UMAS) Governing Council at the American Medical Association.

The UMAS is a member interest group within the AMA dedicated to addressing the issues and concerns of underrepresented minority physicians and improving the health of minority populations.

Dr. Lawson is deeply committed to improving maternal health outcomes, eliminating health inequities, and strengthening physician workforce diversity. Her focus also includes the study of how to use digital innovation to close the gap in health care disparities faced by Black people, and the impact of health care in the workforce of Black physicians, including racism and burnout. Throughout her career as an OB/GYN, and in her capacity as a past president of the National Medical Association, Dr. Lawson’s work has included amplifying underrepresented communities, mentoring aspiring physicians, and advocating for systemic changes that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in medical education and health care delivery.