Health Career Accomplishments of

African-American Women

Sponsors:

Division of Multicultural Affairs

Jackson Hinds Library System

UMC Alliance

Friends of Rowland Medical Library

Jackson Medical Mall Foundation

The traveling exhibit of "Changing the Face of Medicine: Celebrating America's Women Physicians" was developed by the Exhibition Program of the History of Medicine Division of the National Library of Medicine in collaboration with the American Library Association Public Programs Office.  The traveling exhibition has been made possible by the National Library of Medice and the National Institutes of Health Office of Research of Women's Health.  The American Medical Women's Association provided additional support.  The six-week exhibit opened on March 7, 2008.

On March 13, 2008, the Division of Multicultural Affairs and Rowland Medical Library at UMC recognized the accomplishments of four African-American female medical doctors during this dynamic event.

Geraldine Buie Chaney, M.D., is a pediatrician in the Jackson, MS metropolitan area where she has practiced for 30 years. She is owner of Capital City Children and Adolescent Clinic, PLLC. Dr. Chaney graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1973 from Tougaloo College.  Dr. Chaney then attended the University of Mississippi Medical School and attained the Doctor of Medicine Degree in 1977.  She has received numerous awards and honors to include: Physician of the Year award, and Best Doctors of America Award 2002, 2006, 2007.  Dr. Chaney states, “My calling to the field of medicine is truly a blessing. I love what I do and I try to do it well.”

Renita Faith Cotton, M.D. is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. She attended Millsaps College from 1975 – 1978, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.  Dr. Cotton received her medical doctor degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in 1982.  Dr. Cotton is board certified in Family Medicine and appreciates the holistic approach to wellness.  Her most memorable professional moments include her work alongside the “medicine man” of the Mescalero Apache Indians in Mescalero, New Mexico. She is a member of several professional organizations and is the owner of the physician staffing company, Gleaner Devin LLC. Dr. Cotton is the mother of five children and credits her role as “mom” as her most cherished achievement.

Lynda Jackson- Assad, M.D. is the Director of Pediatrics at Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center in Jackson, MS. She began her studies at MS. State University, graduating in 1979 with a BS in Biology.  She completed received her Masters of Science degree in 1982 from Howard University, her MD from Meharry Medical College in 1988 and Maters of Public Health from Jackson State University in 2003.  As Director of Pediatrics she is responsible for the coordination of the Department of Pediatrics, including the staffing of the clinics, call schedules, vacation schedules, medical education for physicians and the supporting nursing staff.  Dr. Assad is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Medical Association.