ACHIEVEMENT
American Medical Association names Dr. Willie Underwood President-Elect Morehouse College Graduate Poised to Helm Leading Medical Organization
and the patients we serve at this critical moment for health care and medicine,” Dr. Underwood said in a statement. “The AMA is leading the way in fighting for a rational Medicare payment system, to rein in prior authorization, and reduce physician burnout. I will stand up to advocate for our profession in a way that will inspire, motivate, and activate physicians to join the AMA in our efforts to improve the health of our nation.” A native of Gary, IN, Dr. Underwood earned a B.S. degree in biology from Morehouse College in 1988, He subsequently earned graduate degrees in cell biology and anatomy, and health management and policy from State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Med- ical University and the University of Michigan School of Public Health, respectively. He received his medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University and his general
By Aaron S. Williams
I n June 2025 in Chicago, IL, the physician and medical delegates at the 2025 American Medical Association (AMA) Annual Meeting elected Willie Underwood III, MD, MSc, MPH, as its president-elect. Founded in 1847, the AMA is the largest and only national association that convenes over 190 state and specialty medical societies, as well as other critical stakeholders. Throughout history, the AMA has always followed its mission to promote the art and science of medicine and to improve public health. The National Medi- cal Association (NMA) congratulated Dr. Under- wood on his achievement, “the NMA celebrates this historic moment, and the unwavering commitment Dr. Underwood brings to advancing equity, lead- ership, and excellence in medicine.” A urological surgeon based in Buffalo, NY, Dr.
Dr. Willie Underwood is the AMA’s newest President-Elect.
Underwood (Pi 1985) has over 25 years of experience in urologic surgery, includ- ing more than 15 years in robotic urologic surgery. An expert in health care disparities and policy, he is a TEDx speaker and active presenter, with appearances on webinars and in TV and radio interviews. Dr. Underwood has co-authored more than 120 peer-reviewed pub- lications, book chapters, and published abstracts on various medical topics,
including racial disparities in the diagnosis, treatment, and survival of urologic cancers. He previously chaired the AMA Board of Trustees from 2023 to 2024, and previously chaired the AMA Resident and Fellow Section. At the AMA, Dr. Underwood works with the Center for Health Equity to amplify the impact of racism on health care in communities. “It is an incredible honor to be chosen by my peers to represent physicians
76 THE JOURNAL ♦ WINTER 2025-2026
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