MEMBERS ACCOMPLISHMENTS - Members Accomplishments At MCSC, our members are dedicated to advancing the field of medicine and improving the quality of patient care. Our organization is comprised of some of the most accomplished medical professionals in the world, who have worked tirelessly to make game-changing advancements in their respective fields. We are proud of the contributions that our members have made, and we are committed to continuing to push boundaries and innovate in the healthcare industry. AWARDS LEADERSHIP RESEARCH INNOVATION AWARDS At MCSC, we are committed to advancing the field of medicine and providing our members with unparalleled support and resources. Our members are recipients of numerous prestigious awards, we are proud of their commitment to excellence and strive to uphold our reputation as leaders in the medical community. Dr. Ngozi Kanu On October 25th, 2024, Dr. Ngozi Kanu was honored with the prestigious Excellence in Education Award by the New York Chapter of the American College of Physicians. This esteemed recognition acknowledges Dr. Kanu's significant contributions to medical education, encompassing her dedication to teaching, mentoring residents, and fostering the growth of future physicians. Dr. Guitelle St-Victor Dr. Guitelle St-Victor participated in a conference on Perinatal Mental Health. It was held in Barcelona, Spain from September 4 - 7, 2024. The title of her presentation was: ALL I WANT IS A DIFFERENT BODY: THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT OF EATING DISORDERS DURING PREGNANCY “. Her presentation was very well received. Congratulations Dr St-Victor. Presented two posters at a psychiatric convention in Lausanne, Switzerland. She presented three posters at the Convention of the European Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine in Munich, Germany. Her presentations included the following: 1- Can we crack the glass ceiling: A psychosocial Challenge for Women in Academic Medicine 2-The Intersection of Epilepsy, Psychosis, Stigma: A case of misdiagnosis and Legal challenges, 3-Transforming Psychiatry Mentorship In the Post-Covid-19. The New Model at Nassau university Medical Center. Alexandra Belzie, MD Drs. Louis and Daniella Belzie: Congratulated for their daughter, Alexandra Belzie, MD, who started her Ophthalmology residency on July 1, 2024. Dr. Aime Lufulwabo Dr Aime Lufulwabo, recently completed his MPH from Yale University (May 2024) and completed a postgraduate medical education program from Harvard University (August 2024) Dr. Francine Hippolyte Inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society and received the 2024 Caribbean Impact Award from Caribbean News. James Satterfield, MD Completed his MS-MBA degree from Cornell University. Dr. Louis Auguste Won the President’s Award at Northwell for outstanding contributions. Hermes Privat Presented and defended his thesis at Quisqueya University, Haiti, and has become a full-fledged medical doctor. Dr. Allyn Toles Dr. Allyn Toles: Began working as an attending anesthesiologist at Northwell – Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Dr. Christian Laurent Christian Laurent has matched for plastic surgery in Louisville Kentucky Dr. Diane Tran Diane Tran has matched for OB/GYN at Northwell Health Dr. Franky Jacque Franky Jacque has matched for family medicine at Cook County Chicago Dr. Monique Defour-Jones MD, MS, MBA, FACOG has been promoted to the rank of Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Zucker School of Medicine Hempstead, NY and Associate Chief Of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwell Health. LEADERSHIP At MCSC, we are committed to advancing the field of medicine and providing our members with unparalleled support and resources. Our members are recipients of numerous prestigious awards, we are proud of their commitment to excellence and strive to uphold our reputation as leaders in the medical community. Honoring Leadership and Global Community Impact McCune at the ACS convention in San Francisco SPOTLIGHT Introducing OutbreakNow — An AI-Powered Global Outbreak Monitoring Platform Did you know that most infectious disease outbreaks are first reported by local news outlets before official notifications from public health authorities? Recognizing this critical gap in traditional surveillance, one of our members—Dr. Aimé Lufulwabo, MD, MPH, who also serves as Chair of the Website Committee and Treasurer—has developed an innovative solution at the intersection of epidemiology, clinical medicine, informatics, and quality improvement. After months of research, discovery, and development, Dr Lufulwabo is proud to announce the launch of OutbreakNow, an AI-powered global outbreak monitoring system that leverages news media and diverse data sources from around the world to detect and track emerging public health threats in real time. 🌍 Explore the platform: 👉 www.outbreaknow.org What Is OutbreakNow? OutbreakNow is a real-time outbreak intelligence platform designed to detect, track, and visualize infectious disease outbreaks as they unfold. By synthesizing global news signals and other data streams, the platform delivers timely, actionable insights that empower governments, health systems, researchers, and communities to act early—before outbreaks escalate into epidemics. Current Version & Future Vision This is the first version of the platform, and users are encouraged to share constructive feedback directly through the site to help guide future enhancements. Planned developments include: Collaboration with local and national health departments Integration with EMR systems worldwide Expansion of data sources to further strengthen global surveillance capabilities Access & Collaboration OutbreakNow is freely accessible to everyone. Users simply need to sign up to explore the full suite of dashboards and features. Member Spotlight: Honoring Leadership and Global Community Impact We are proud to recognize Dr. Aimé Lufulwabo, MD, MPH for receiving two Certificates of Recognition from the City of New York in acknowledgment of his exceptional leadership and global community impact. Certificates of Recognition: - NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs December 31, 2025 - Office of the President of the Borough of the Bronx December 31, 2025 These honors were awarded in recognition of Dr. Lufulwabo’s contributions through the Global Health and Quality Alliance (GHQA) in addressing health disparities among diverse communities worldwide. His work is carried out through the Community Sunday Clinic program under the Global Health and Development Aid Foundation, which provides accessible, community-centered care to underserved populations. Through this initiative, Dr. Lufulwabo has demonstrated a sustained commitment to advancing health equity, strengthening community-based healthcare delivery, and fostering global collaboration. His leadership continues to create meaningful impact by improving access to care and supporting vulnerable communities both locally and internationally. These recognitions highlight the powerful role of physician leaders in advancing global health, public service, and community-driven solutions.

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Recent Activities: Recent Activities On 6/4/25 McCune Smith Cordice Medical Society Mentoring and Community Affairs Committees joined the School District 29 Annual Health and Wellness Fair 2025, in Queens NY On June 04, 2025, the McCune Smith Cordice Medical Society participated in the 2025 School District 29 Annual Health and Wellness Fair that took place at PS 33/Edward M. Funk Elementary School, located at 91-37 222nd Street, Queens Village, NY. The fair promotes healthy lives through community engagement and education. It was eagerly awaited and strongly supported by the local residents, since well before the beginning of the program, the school auditorium was filled to capacity with both students and parents. The fair was launched by the lead organizer, Ms. Karen Reid, family support coordinator Jordan Nichols, Community Superintendent Crystal Bond, and Deputy Superintendent Dr Melissa Vaughan. Then, R.A. Wholeness led the audience into a session of meditation and movement through yoga and breathing exercises. The program provided fun entertainment for the children in the Kid’s Zone with music, dancing and tasty treats. However, the thrust of the event was to provide health education and open the students to all available opportunities in the Healthcare fields. Members of the McCune Smith Cordice Medical Society and a team from Northwell Health (including the STARRS Physical Therapy program, Cohen's Children Medical Center, Northwell Center for Gun Violence Prevention) were at hand to engage both students and all family members. The McCune Smith- Cordice Medical Society was represented by Louis Auguste, MD, MPH (Surgical oncology), James Satterfield, MD, MS, MBA (General Surgery), Monique Defour Jones , MD, MS, MBA, Lorraine Williams, MD, Francine Hippolyte, MD, Carmen Rodriguez, MD and Alan Toles, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology), Roosevelt Clerisme, MD, Louis Belzie, MD, MPH, Daniella Belzie, MD, Guitelle St Victor, MD (Psychiatry), Gardith Joseph, MD (Oncology) , Sonya Ventour, MD (Gastro-Enterology), Daniel Laroche, MD (Ophthalmology), Anthony Joseph, MD (Nephrology). They brought organ models and patient information literature. The pre-teen schoolers were fascinated to learn about the different functions of the human body and how they can be affected by disease. At the same time, they were provided with advice and counseling about how they can also achieve a successful career in health care. The parents also expressed great interest in all the ways to achieve and maintain wellness. Overall, it was an incredibly rewarding experience to connect with the students and community at large. Knowledge is Power and the McCune Smith Cordice Medical Society is pleased to play its part in empowering all our communities toward achieving better health and for the younger generation to achieve all their potentials and beyond. On 3/21/25 On March 21, 2025, the McCune Smith Cordice Medical Society’s Mentoring Committee had the privilege of visiting two schools for Career Day, engaging with students, and sparking their interest in the medical field. Dr. Toles visited PS 118 in Queens. He did an outstanding job connecting with students and sharing insights about a career in medicine. Dr Toles grew up playing in PS118 and still lives in the neighborhood. It was a very special day for Dr Toles and the students. Meanwhile, Drs. Sonya Ventour, Guitelle St Victor, Stephanie Buck-Haskins, Michele Germain, and Carmen Rodriguez visited John W. Dodd Middle School in Freeport. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, as the enthusiasm and curiosity in the students' faces filled everyone's hearts. Their thoughtful and eloquent questions reaffirmed our belief in the immense talent among the students. The doctors went to different classrooms and ran sessions of 30-40 minutes for classes of 20-25 students. The doctors spoke to their journey from middle school, High school to college, medical school, and residency. Thereafter they answered questions like- How long did it take you to get to where you are?, Did you have to study hard?, What advice would you give to a middle school student who wants to work in your field? How does your work affect your family or personal life? What is a typical day at work for you? Other questions came from the models and scenarios used in the presentations. Dr Buck-Haskins and Dr Germain remained together featuring a large size pelvis with a well-formed baby in the uterus. They discussed pregnancy and fetal development. The students were engaged and asked about premature birth and causes of it, twin delivery and what happens with a large a baby. Other questions included what is the smallest baby and largest baby delivered ? what are the causes of Cesarean section vs vaginal delivery? what happens when the water breaks? Dr St Victor brought a large plastic brain model and presented details of the different parts of the brain ( cortex, hindbrain, and inner brain ) and their functions. She had a picture of a neuron and synapse and explained where medications work and how drugs and alcohol can affect the brain. She explained different mental illnesses The student questions were amazing questions like: what is the difference between bipolar disorder and borderline personality ? Dr Ventour opened up with having the students pronounce the word Gastroenterologist . They had lots of questions about colonoscopy, who should do it and why. Lots of laughter regarding bowel movements and gas . They discussed effects of spina bifida on bowel function and what is Crohn’s disease. Several students expressed interest in Gastroenterology. Some students were taking notes during her presentation. She showed models and posters of the intestinal system as well as instruments used for evaluation. Dr Rodriguez presented in English and Spanish. She used a model to teach suturing techniques during gynecological surgery and showed pictures of different benign tumors of the uterus and ovaries like fibroids and cysts. Many inquisitive questions and interest in the instruments and surgeries as well as the pictures. It was a successful event. On 2/25/25 Meet and Greet/Day in the Life Simulation with doctors from the MCSC Medical Society mentoring committee presented a unique opportunity for students of School District 29 of Queens to learn firsthand about the career journeys, daily responsibilities, and educational pathways of professionals in the healthcare industry. During this meeting, students gained a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment, asked questions, and interacted with doctors about their work. It was a fantastic opportunity of exploration into potential careers in medicine and they gained insights into what a day in the life of a healthcare professional looks like. 03-04-25 The mentoring committee event 03-04-25 Collaborated with medical students from the ZSOM LMSA-Latino Medical student Association and the SNMA -students of National Medical association for a day of immersion into medicine at The Donald and Barbara Zucker School Of Medicine (ZSOM). The D-29 students experienced a meet and greet with ZSOM students and McSCMS physicians and then had a tour of the school premises and were able to participate in lectures and hands-on activities thru different stations medical stations - They rotated thru Dermatology , Cardiology, neurology and sonography. They were engaged and excited. Lunch was served and then a mentoring session with medical students ,McSCMS physicians and members of the ZSOM DEI office. Then closing remarks and a farewell goodie bags were distributed.

ABOUT MCSC “Welcome to the McCune Smith Cordice Medical Society (MCSC), where excellence meets community. Founded on the principles of empowerment, advocacy, and service, MCSC is a beacon of support and opportunity for Black healthcare professionals. Our society provides a dynamic platform for networking, professional development, and collective advocacy, aimed at advancing equitable healthcare access and uplifting minority physicians. At MCSC, we believe in the power of unity and collaboration. Through our diverse range of events, workshops, and initiatives, members have the chance to connect with like-minded peers, access valuable resources, and stay abreast of the latest advancements in medicine. Whether you’re seeking mentorship, career guidance, or opportunities to give back to the community, MCSC is here to support your journey every step of the way. Join us in shaping a brighter future for healthcare, where diversity is celebrated, voices are heard, and every physician has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we’re not just building a society – we’re building a legacy of excellence and inclusivity in medicine. Come be a part of something extraordinary at MCSC.” The McCune Smith – Cordice Medical Society WHAT’S IN A NAME? What is in a name? Everything. A name defines who you are or what your organization represents. A name conjures images or characters that a person or a society would like to emulate or select as role models for what they achieved and what they stood for while they were still alive. Our society, after careful consideration, has chosen for eponyms, two individuals, James Mc Cune Smith and John Walter Vincent Cordice. These two proud physicians, dared to be different, and incarnated honor and excellence in the face of an adverse society. Their memories we would like to perpetuate as inspirations for generations to come James McCune Smith, MD James McCune Smith was born a slave on April 18th, 1813. He was the son of Samuel Smith, who was a white merchant slave owner, and Lavina Smith who was a slave woman from South Carolina. Smith would often say he is the “son of a self-emancipated bondswoman” and was freed at the age of 14 following the passage of the Emancipation Act in New York on July 14, 1827. Despite emancipation, he remained fearful that slave hunters would recapture him and return him into slavery. He graduated with honors from the African Free School located on Mulberry Street in New York City. The school was founded in 1785 as a philanthropic organization by white abolitionists to show that blacks can compete intellectually as well as whites. He worked as a blacksmith while studying Latin and Greek at night in preparation for college. McCune did well in school but was denied admission to Columbia University simply because of his race. He was accepted at the University of Glasgow where he obtained a BA in 1835, a Masters in 1836 and an MD degree, graduating in 1837 at the top of his class. He submitted his thesis to the faculty and earned both honors and praise. After graduating from medical school, he traveled to Paris to gain additional clinical experience alongside some of the renowned professionals in Europe. He returned to New York City in 1839 and established the first black medical practice along with a pharmacy to serve all people. Unlike his white peers and the prevailing norms of the time, McCune chose the path of moral integrity by providing care for all individuals in need, without segregating healthcare based on race. He also established an evening school dedicated to educating individuals of all racial backgrounds. It was not until 1847, ten years after Smith, that James Peck graduated from Rush Medical College and became the first black man to receive an American medical degree and 1864 when Rebecca Lee Crumpler became the first black female physician, with a medical degree from New England Female Medical College which subsequently merged with Boston University. Smith’s general and surgical practice was not limited to black patients but to all in need. Medical practice in those days consisted of “bleeding, cupping, leeching” and use of herbs for medicinal purposes. He practiced the accepted standards of his time. Despite his achievements, he was not accepted for membership in the New York medical associations or the American Medical Association. James McCune Smith never hesitated to rise to the defense of black people and their rights as human beings and closely collaborated with Frederick Douglas. He established the National Council for Colored People in 1853. Frederick Douglas called Smith “the single most important influence on his life” . Smith practiced social justice and wrote against the Supreme Court’s decision in the Dred Scott case denying black individuals’ citizenship and their rights to be free. When Thomas Jefferson wrote in “Notes on the State of Virginia” that “blacks, whether originally a distinct race or made distinct by time and circumstances, are inferior to the whites in the endowments both of body and mind”, Smith proved him wrong. Jefferson would solidify his views on race when , in speaking to the black inventor Benjamin Banneker, he indicated that “ Nobody wishes more than I do to see such proofs as you exhibit, that nature has given to our black brethren, talents equal to those of the other colors of men, and that the appearance of a want of them is owing merely to the degraded condition of their existence, both in Africa and America”. James McCune Smith would debunk Jefferson’s ideas on race and mental differences and made his arguments to counter the predominant belief that “free blacks might languish without filial protection from white slave owners”. Smith argued that unfavorable social circumstances were to blame for existing differences in racial achievements and not intellectual capacity. Smith was fluent in French, Spanish, German, Greek, Latin, Hebrew and Italian. Smith was the first black to publish case series and case reports and used statistics in his medical publications to disprove accepted dogma. He was not allowed to present his medical findings to the New York Medical and Surgical Society and as such had another white physician present his findings. His case series was published in the New York Journal of Medicine and consisted of five patients who experienced cessation of menses with the use of opium. He published his findings because they were contrary to what had been written and accepted in the textbooks. He advocated for controlled comparison in medical research. Using statistical methods, Smith proved that the 1840 census was racially biased. He authored more than 100 articles in ethnology, geography, and medicine. In 1854, he was elected to membership in the American Geographical Society in New York and gave an address on how to improve census taking methods. At the time of his election to that society, an article in the newspaper, Provincial Freeman, called him “A colored savant”. James McCune Smith was married in 1842 to Malvina Barnett (1825-1891) and had six children but only four of his children survived. He loved caring for children and considered it a “holy trust” having his own children look up to him for “support, discipline and guidance”. He had confidence in the importance of the family unit and the significance of providing guidance and support to the youth. Smith was appointed physician to the Colored Orphan Asylum on Fifth Avenue and 44th street in New York City. The asylum was founded in 1836 to help black children in need only to be destroyed on July 13, 1863, by a white mob during the Draft Riots in New York City. He overcame adversity well and remained undeterred in what he had to do in life. When the streetcar company denied him access to public transportation because of his race, he decided to walk 6-7 miles to continue his work at the Colored Orphan Asylum. James McCune Smith suffered from congestive heart failure and as such could not practice much after 1863. On November 17, 1865, Dr Smith died at his home in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn where he lived with his family. He was buried at the Cypress Hill Cemetery. James McCune Smith was a pioneering figure who cared for the sick regardless of their racial or religious background. He fought for basic human dignity and his life story demonstrates the detrimental effects of racism on black lives. The ripples of that practice are still being felt today. He was a trailblazer who held the belief that race was not a biological phenomenon but, instead, a social fabrication. While he is primarily recognized among black historians for his abolitionist work, those in the field of medicine have largely overlooked and almost erased his legacy. One can only aspire that this collective forgetfulness regarding race will eventually be corrected, and history will recognize James McCune Smith in the manner he deserves- as the first Black American doctor in the United States, a highly productive author, a passionate abolitionist dedicated to the cause of social justice, and a devout servant of God who played a pivotal role in making the abolition of slavery a reality. The accomplishments of contemporary black physicians can largely be attributed to the persistence and sacrifices first set in motion by James McCune Smith. He not only made significant contributions to the medical field in the presence of insurmountable odds but also tirelessly fought for social justice, a legacy that certainly warrants recognition and commemoration. John Walter Vincent Cordice, Jr, MD John Walter Vincent Cordice, Jr was born in Aurora, North Carolina. His father emigrated from St Vincent and the Grenadines in the West Indies, where he had studied pharmacy. Once in the US, he entered Howard University and obtained his medical degree in 1911. He started a family practice in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1918, the US Public Health Service dispatched him to Aurora to help with the eradication of post war influenza, which was affecting the young soldiers back from the battlefield. This is when he met and married Pearl Mae Hollingsworth. Soon afterwards from the couple, was born John Walter Vincent Jr, who grew up in Durham and eventually moved to New York City to study Medicine at New York University. He graduated in 1943. He immediately started a residency in Surgery at Harlem Hospital, under Lewis Tompkins Wright, MD. Those were difficult years since residents only earned a meager salary. He found support and comfort in the love of his life, Marguerite whom he married while he was still a resident. The residency was interrupted when he did a tour of duty in the US Air Force. He was assigned to the squadron of the Tuskegee Air Men. Upon completing his surgical training, Dr. Cordice travelled to Paris, France, where he completed a sub-specialty in Thoracic and Cardio-Vascular Surgery at Hopital Broussais-La Charite, under the direction of the famed Dr. Charles Dubost. This was quite rare in those days particularly for an African American. Upon his return, he obtained further training at Kings County Hospital of the State University of New York. He was then one of the first African Americans to receive formal training in Cardio-thoracic Surgery. He became board certified in both General Surgery and Thoracic Surgery. He was appointed to the staff of Harlem Hospital as Chief of Thoracic Surgery, shortly thereafter. This appointment placed him on a collision course with destiny. Indeed, on September 20, 1958, while Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was attending a book signing in Harlem, he was stabbed with a letter opener and was brought to Harlem Hospital with the blade still planted in his chest. Dr. Cordice was called and performed the thoracotomy, although credit was given to Dr. Aubrey De Lambert Maynard, then Chief of Surgery at Harlem hospital. The tip of the blade was just a few millimeters away from the aorta, but no serious injury resulted and Dr. King, Jr left the hospital 14 days later. Thus, the entire nation owes Dr. Cordice a debt of gratitude for having preserved the life of the young Baptist minister who went on to change the course of history by shepherding the Civil Rights movement. Dr. Cordice always remained close to family and his community, but always felt a need to get involved in the leadership of his profession. Thus, in 1970 we find him chairing a New York Academy of Medicine Conference entitled: Community Participation for Equity and Excellence in Health Care. He gave a well-received presentation on the “Role of the Community in developing Improved Health Care.” He was bringing Health Care Disparity to the forefront, before it became fashionable. Around that time, he became affiliated with Queens Hospital Center and with Julius W. Garvey, MD constituted the Thoracic Surgery Team at that Hospital. That is when he met Dr. Leslie Wise, then Chairman of Surgery at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, who invited him to join his staff with dual appointment in General Surgery and Thoracic Surgery. He always remained grateful to Dr. Wise for having supported his entry into the New York Surgical Society, membership that had been denied to him until then for unclear reasons. He maintained his leadership in the medical societies and in 1983-1984, he served as President of the Medical Society of the County of Queens. Dr. Cordice had a lifelong enthusiasm for music, particularly American Jazz. He still found time to remain active academically and at the age of 73, he was still publishing scholarly papers. One of them entitled “the Anatomic Distribution of Colonic Carcinomas in Middle Class Black Americans” appeared in the Journal of the National Medical Association in 1991. He left Long Island Jewish Medical Center in 1993, but his medical career was far from over. He ran the Thoracic clinic at Queens Hospital Center, well into his 80s and occasionally still performed surgeries. Prostate cancer could not stop him as he battled the disease successfully and continued to be active. As late as 2007, nearly 90 years old, he had kept also an employment with the Board of Health of the City and State of New York and was a member of the NY State Education Department and the Office of Professional Responsibility State Board for Medicine. He kept his membership in the Medical Society of the County of Queens, long enough to see me become President of the same society in 1999-2000, as well as another one of his protégés, Dr. James Satterfield in 2008-2009. For all his accomplishments, he was given in 2009 a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Medical Society and the Academy of Medicine of Queens County. He was not done with Medicine yet. Last year, however, he became increasingly aware that his health was failing. His loving wife, Marguerite, shared her concerns with me, because he was having more and more frequent episodes of dizziness. However, Dr. Cordice’s mind had remained sharp, and he was only frustrated that his physical health could not keep up with his will to continue to serve his community and remain relevant in this society of which he had been and was still such a prominent figure. Earlier in April 2013, he participated in an Alumni Celebration at NYU for the Survivors of the Class of 43. The same month, he participated in the House of Delegates of the Medical Society of Queens County and in May 2013, he attended the Annual Assembly of the Medical Society of Queens County. He was still driving his old beloved and faithful VW Beetle. In November 2013, upon learning that his long-time friend and co-worker, Dr. Gerald Deas was going to receive a Lifetime Community Service Award at the Annual Gala of the Medical Society of Queens County, he wrote a personal congratulatory note that was published in the Souvenir-Journal and is a testament to his bright and lucid mind. Unfortunately, as the years continued their ineluctable undermining of this giant and his health failing, Marguerite felt that it was best to move to Iowa to be closer to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. It is thus surrounded by the loving affection and embrace of his beloved family that his flame flickered and went out, quietly and blissfully. They had sung for him Christmas carols that morning.

Welcome to the McCune Smith Cordice Medical Society (MCSC), where excellence meets community. Founded on the principles of empowerment, advocacy, and service, MCSC is a beacon of support and opportunity for Black healthcare professionals. Our society provides a dynamic platform for networking, professional development, and collective advocacy, aimed at advancing equitable healthcare access and uplifting minority physicians. ​ ​ ​ ​ McCune Smith Cordice Medical Society "In this great future, you can't forget your past." Membership Renewal Is Now Open! Ensure uninterrupted access to your benefits. Take a moment to renew your membership. RENEW NOW ABOUT MCSC Welcome to the McCune Smith Cordice Medical Society (MCSC), where excellence meets community. Founded on the principles of empowerment, advocacy, and service, MCSC is a beacon of support and opportunity for Black healthcare professionals. Our society provides a dynamic platform for networking, professional development, and collective advocacy, aimed at advancing equitable healthcare access and uplifting minority physicians. LEARN MORE JOIN MSC Join MCSC and become part of a dynamic community dedicated to advancing healthcare equity, supporting minority physicians, and fostering professional development. LEARN MORE TRENDING NEWS MCSC is dedicated to providing our members with the latest news and developments in the medical industry so that they can stay on the cutting-edge of healthcare. Our goal is to improve the quality for all by providing you with access to high-quality medical information. TAKE ACTION NOW To all members of the McCuneSmith Cordice Medical Society, the reimbursement for medical services is reaching levels that are unsustainable for medical practice. You are invited to join forces with the AMA in this campaign to increase reimbursement from CMS. Take the time to sign this pre written letter and forward to your elected legislators. The form is easy to fill out. CLICK HERE UPCOMING EVENTS Join us for our upcoming event SEE MORE RECENT PUBLICATIONS MCSC is dedicated to providing our members with the latest news and developments in the medical industry so that they can stay on the cutting-edge of healthcare. Our goal is to improve the quality for all by providing you with access to high-quality medical information. PHYSICIANS DATABASE Navigate your medical journey with MCSC! Discover expert residency and fellowship guidance, and connect with mentors who will inspire and empower you along the way. SEE MORE MEMBER BENEFITS Exclusive resources Community Engagement Read more Resource Library Read more Exclusive Benefits Read more We’ve shared and celebrated so many milestones together, from seminars and meetings to conferences and other important events. We’ve captured many of these moments in pictures and videos, memories that we cherish and that define who we are today. PHOTOS SEE MORE At MCSC, we are dedicated to advancing the medical field through active engagement and collaboration within our community. Join us to stay updated on our exciting initiatives and to connect with like-minded professionals who are passionate about making a difference in healthcare. RECENT ACTIVITIES SEE MORE

Unlock a world of exclusive benefits and offers as a member of MCSC. Enjoy special discounts on events, access member-only resources, and take advantage of unique opportunities tailored just for you. Our commitment to our members goes beyond healthcare; it’s about enhancing your overall experience and ensuring you get the most out of your membership. Join us today and start enjoying the perks of being a valued member of MCSC!” EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS - EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS Exclusive Benefits: Enjoy member-exclusive perks, discounts on events, access to research publications, and more. “Unlock a world of exclusive benefits and offers as a member of MCSC. Enjoy special discounts on events, access member-only resources, and take advantage of unique opportunities tailored just for you. Our commitment to our members goes beyond healthcare; it’s about enhancing your overall experience and ensuring you get the most out of your membership. Join us today and start enjoying the perks of being a valued member of MCSC!” Join MCSC and become part of a dynamic community dedicated to advancing healthcare equity, supporting minority physicians, and fostering professional development. JOIN NOW

Board of Trustees Daniel Laroche, MD Karl Latortue, MD James Satterfield. MD Monique Defour-Jones, MD, MS, MBA Olusegun Adeonigbagbe, MD RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS First name Last name Email Committee Nominee Select NEW APP'T REAPP'TMENT REMOVE Address City Zip Phone Fax Specialty Submit

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To be a networking platform for social interaction among minority physicians to enhance personal, educational and professional growth. The Society aims to guide and support its members, as they address the unique challenges faced by minority physicians and patients. To advocate for the underserved and underrepresented communities and educate the public regarding important health care issues affecting the African American community. BYLAWS Article1: Thename of the society is the McCune Smith-Cordice Medical Society Inc Mission and vision To be a networking platformfor social interaction among minority physicianstoenhance personal, educational and professional growth. The Society aims toguide and support its members, as they address the unique challenges faced byminority physicians and patients. To advocate for the underserved and underrepresented communities and educate the public regarding important healthcare issues affecting the African American community. To mitigatehealth inequities that impact the minority communities and be a strong and unifiedpolitical voice to influence policy decisions that affect all aspects of healthservices in the underserved communities, including access and quality To expand educational opportunities for underrepresented African Americans in the HealthCare Professions and increase minority representation in all aspects of healthcare, through the mentoring of minority, students, medical students, residents,and foreign graduates, looking to enter and navigate the system To create position statements on issues that impact minority physicians and their patientsandbe subject matter experts for the press on issues dealing with minority health, decision makers and other advocacy groups with congruent agendas. Article 4: Membership Members of the Society shall be Active, Resident and fellows,Students, Affiliate or retired. Active Membership Shall be licensed physicians (MD/DO) and dentists in good standing and licensed topractice medicine. They shall be of good moral character and reside or practice in the Tri-State area. Licensing may bewaived for residents in training, students, physicians involved in research,teaching, hospital/medical administration or government service. All activemembers will be introduced to the Society membership at their first meetings.Active members, residents and fellows, students, Post-Medical graduates and lifemembers in good standing shall have the right to vote,but only active and Lifemembers shall run for or hold office. Residents and Fellows membership Membership is limited to graduates of recognized medical or osteopathic schools who are in training in accredited postgraduate programs in the Tri-State area. Residents and fellows have a voice and may vote. They shall be subject to dues as established by the society. Student Membership Student members shall be those enrolled in recognized medical or osteopathic schools inthe Tri-State area who choose to participate in the activities of the society. Dues, if any, will be established by theSociety.Student members will have a voice and be eligible to vote. When astudent member ceases to be enrolled in a recognized school of medicine, theyshall resign as student members and enroll as an active member if they meetcriteria for such. If a student member is suspended from the rights andprivileges of their medical or osteopathic school , they shallautomatically be suspended for the sameperiod of suspension from the medical society. Affiliate Membership Affiliate membership- Members who are in good standing who no longer reside or practice in New York State but wish to remain affiliated with the society but wish top articipate in the activities of the society Dueswill be established by the society Affiliate members shall receive all the privileges of the society, receive publications ,and attend meetings but are not eligible to hold office. Emeritus Membership Shall be for all past officers who have been in good standing for at least five years and have made significant contributions to the Society. They may attend all executive meetings of theofficers and the Board of Trustees, with a voice but no vote. Retired Membership A retired member shall include an individual who has fully retired from the practice of medicine but continues to abide by all membership requirements of the society. Retired Members have the right to attend all of the meetings of the Society and to take part in the discussionsand make recommendations to the Boardand vote on issues discussed by the society. They are also eligible to hold office Honorary Membership Distinguished individuals who may not be members of the medical profession who have rendered noteworthy service to medicine and who have demonstrated dedicated commitmentand service to the poor, underserved or minority communitiescan beelected to honorarymembership as provided by the bylaws. They shall be nominated by the Trusteesand approved by the membership. They arenot eligible to vote or be elected to offices. Article2: The seal of the Society is as depicted inAppendix A Article3: Objectives Article 7: Officers of the Society The officers of the society will consist of the President, President elect, treasurer ,assistant treasurer, secretary, assistant secretary and one member at large. All officers will be elected for a two-year term. An officer can be reelected for a second term, but there will be a two-term limit for reelection. President The president shall be a member in good standing and preside at all meetings of the officers of the society and meeting membership The president is responsible for enforcement of the mandates of the Society. The president shall render an annual report to the Society and shall propose for consideration and adopta budget after reviewing the report of the Budget and Finance Committee and shall promulgate such other reports during the year, as theymay deem necessary. The President shall perform such other duties as usually pertain to his/her office and shall be the official spokesperson of the Society on policies of the Society. This function may be relegated to the Chair of the Communication committee. The President shall insure the publication of a yearly summary of events/activities of the society to be sent to all members in good standing of the society. President- elect shall assume the office of President at the completion of the regular term in office of the outgoing president or when the office of President is vacated for any unforeseen circumstances. shall act as President in the absence of the elected President Shall be Chairperson of the Nominating Committee for the sole purpose of nominating a slate of candidates for offices to be filled by election at the end of the two-year terms Secretary Shall record the minutes and an attendance record of the executive meetings and the general assemblies Shall be responsible for preserving the minutes ofthe Society and maintain a log of issues discussed by the membership Shall provide copies of the bylaws of the societywhen requested by any member shall ensure that changes in membership are reported and that names of new members are forwarded within ten days after their election to membership In the absence of the President and President-Elect ,s/he shall preside at meetings of the Society S/he shall review the Ballots for elections, document results and perform such other duties as usually pertain to this office Shall publish a directory of society members in the last quarter of the year Shall publish a summary of the society’s activitiesin the preceding year. Shall be a member of the membership committee Secretary The Assistant Secretary shall assist the Secretary in the discharge of his/her duties, Shall act for the Secretary in his/her absence or in capacity and succeed to the office of Secretary if it is vacated during his/her tenure in office Shall act for the Secretary in his/her absence or in capacity and succeed to the office of Secretary if it is vacated during his/her tenure in office Treasurer The Treasurer shall perform the duties that usuallypertain to his/her office and as required by the Bylaws of the Society Chairs the Budget and Finance Committee Responsible for the collection of dues and notify members in arrears Shall present a financial report in conjunction withthe Budget and Finance Committee and the officers of the society. Shall render a financial report to the society at each quarterly meeting At the last meeting of the year of the society, present the budget for the ensuing year. All disbursements shall be by checks bearing two signatures, that of the President, or President-elect and the Treasurer. In the absence of the Treasurer, the signature of r the President and the Assistant-Treasurer is necessary All funds to be kept in an account under the name of the Society and the information shared with the Officers of the society and membership. Assistant Treasurer The Assistant Treasurer shall assist the Treasurer in the discharge of his/ her duties, shall act for him/her in his/her absence or incapacity and succeed to the office of Treasurer if it is vacated during his/her tenure Member-at-large The member at large shall assist the officers of the society in any function where assistance is requested. The member at large shall participate in all meetings of the officers and be the eyes and ears of the membership Article 8: Board of Trustees The President is ex-officio member of the board of trustees with voice but no vote The board of trustees will consist of: Five voting members (independent and of highreputation and achievement), two of whom shall be elected each year; one in theoff year The chair of the Board is elected by a simple majority of the Trustees present at the first meeting of the Board of the year The term of office of each Trustee shall be from the close of the Annual Meeting at which s/he is elected until the close of the third subsequent Annual Meeting, unless the election was to fill a vacancy, in whichcase the term shall be until the close of that vacancy period The Board of Trustees shall manage, operate and control all real and personal property of the Society and oversee the function of the elected officers. It shall authorize no project involving the expenditure of an amount in excess of $5,000.00without obtaining specific approval of the membership No member or committee shall incur any expense or financial obligation chargeable against the Society without authorization of the Board of Trustees, except as otherwise herein provided The Board of Trustees shall take office at the close of the Annual Meeting. At the first meeting, following the Annual Meeting, the newly constituted Board of Trustees shall elect a Secretary from among its own members to maintain minutes of discussions The Board of Trustees shall meet at least twice ayear. Three members of the Board of Trustees shall constitute a quorum Absence from three consecutive meetings of the Board, without satisfactory explanation to the Board, shall constitute the resignation of a Trustee and shall be reported to the officers of the society. Special meetings of the Board of Trustees shall becalled by the Chairperson at his/her discretion or the society membership to address any issues The chair of the board of Trustees shall lead the meetings of the board. The Board of Trustees shall hold special meetings at the call of the President or upon the written request of a quorum of its members to address issues relevant to the membership Article 9: Election of officers Officers are elected for a period of two years. Election of officers shall take place at the end of the year for the subsequent two years Candidates are selected from a roster submitted by the Nominating Committee. Write-in candidates are allowed to run, if they are backed by at least 10 bona fide members signatures Article 5: Application for Membership. Application shall be made for all classes of membership on a form approved by the Medical Society and signed by the applicant. The Society dues must accompany all applications. The membership committee will process and vet the application. The committee will then recommend the applicant for membership at the next meeting of the executive committee for approval. Once approved, the new member shall be introduced formally at the next general assembly of the society.In order to remain in good standing, a member must be up to date with dues, actively participate in the affairs of the Society and must attend atleast 50% of the meetings. Dues Membership Dues shall be determined and adjusted from time to time as needed, jointly by the Membership and the Budget Committees and formally approved by the executive committee and the Board of Trustees and ultimately by the general assembly An application for Active Membership must be accompanied by the regular annual dues for the current year After proper approval, dues and assessments are binding on all Active Members Failure to Pay Dues are payable by each Active member on January1st Any member, except a member who is eligible for and has applied for Life Membership, whose dues are unpaid by February 1st of any current year or whose assessments are unpaid by the specified time is notingood standing and shall be deemed to be in arrears A member whose dues are unpaid after March 1st whose assessments are unpaid may bedropped from the rolls of membership. Members shall be considered not in good standing if they are in arrears or under suspension They shall not be entitled to the privilege of the floor, to run for, hold office orto vote A member in arrears may pay his/her full dues at ameeting of the assembly Article 6: DISCIPLINARY ACTION Any member of the McCune Smith-Cordice Society may be censured, suspended or expelled by the Board of Trustees, after due process, for an infraction of these Bylaws, or for a violation of the Principles of Medical Ethics. The officers shall discuss the decision with the board who shall vote on afinal decision as recommended by the Board. Such member will be afforded due process and can appeal the decision of the Board at which time a special committeewill be created and who will be charged to review and make a final decision .Final decisions are to be presented and discussed with the membership. Article 12: Committees Executive Committee The President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary and Treasurer shall constitute the Executive Committee which shall have the authority to take emergency actions between meetings of the society. The Executive Committee shall have all the powers and duties of the society and any action taken by the Executive Committee shall be reported in full to the membership at its next meeting. Standing Committees The Standing Committees of the Society shall be: Bylaws Membership Mentorship Legislative Communication/public affairs Liaison/External Affairs Fund raising/event planning Budget and Finance Standing Committee Chairs The president shall present for approval the names of all standing committee chairs Standing Committees shall each consist of a Chairperson and at least three other members in good standing chosen by the Chair No one shall Chair more than two Standing Committees Concurrently The term of all Standing Committee members shall expire on the third year Additional committees may be created as deemed necessary by the officers of the society Duties of standing committees Bylaws Committee The Bylaws Committee shall review proposed Amendments to the Bylaws which have been forwarded to the Committee by the President. The Committee shall consider the proposed Amendment and make are commendation to the Executive Committee. Membership Committee The Membership Committee shall take such measures, as it deems proper to encourage all eligible health care professionals, doctors of medicine and osteopathy to become members of the Society. The Committee shall recommend to officers and implement strategies to recruit new members. A directory of the membership will be published yearly by the Membership committee. The Committee will review and vet new applications for membership and make recommendations to the executive committee Mentoring Committee The Mentoring committee has the task to promote interest among underprivileged children and young adults and nurture their ambitions and aspirations, providing guidance, where needed and all support necessary to achieve their goals. The same support will also be offered to young physicians in the early, as well as more advanced phases of their careers, always aiming to create bridges and connections for the realization of the individuals’ potentials Legislative Committee The Legislative Committee shall keep the Society informed concerning proposed legislation which may affect the practice of medicine, the public health, or other interests of the medical profession and those affecting the minority physicians disproportionately. The committee will report on pending legislation which may affect the membership/practitioners in the community. Communication Committee The Public Affairs Committee shall represent the society and inform the President of issues affecting the membership and will transmit information of interest to the membership and the public at the society’s meetings. For improved communication with membership, a website is to be created, monitored and maintained by the committee. Necessary funds for maintenance will be allocated in the annual budget, at the request of this committee chair. The president will function as the Spokesperson for the society and can delegate that responsibility to another member who may be an expert on an issue. Press conferences must be approved by the President. The Communication committee will also draft position statements reflecting the views of the Society. Event Planning/Fundraising Committee The Fundraising Committee shall be responsible for raising funds for the society via methods such as grants, sponsorships, and events. Liaison The Liaison committee will align itself with other medical organizations/societies with shared visions and agendas including but not limited to the NMA, MSSNY, AMHE or other Medical Societies of the African Diaspora, and will serve as the representative of the Society to those organizations. The liaison will report to the membership at any of the general assembly meetings and discuss the issues relevant to the Society. Budget and Finance The Budget and Finance committee will be responsible for the monitoring and balancing the budget for the year and ensure there are adequate funds to manage the finances of the society. The budget and finance committee will work closely with the Fundraising committee. The Treasurer shall serve on the Fundraising Committee. Shortfalls will be presented to the President and the membership. Article 10: Meetings The society shall hold meetings quarterly Any member in good standing may present or request discussion of any issue of concern to the membership during open session of the meeting Standing committee chairs will report on their respective committees Part of or the entire meeting may be dedicated fully to an educational topic of interest to the membership. Specialists are encouraged to present special advances and innovations in their fields that may be of benefit to the members. Guests with special expertise may be invited to address issues of concern for the membership Quarterly Meetings shall focus on the mission of the society Article 13: Ethics The Principles of Medical Ethics of the National Medical Association and the Principles of Professional Conduct shall be binding upon all members of the Society. Article 11: Rules of Order Meetings of the Society shall be conducted by the rules of the American Institute of Parliamentarians Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure A copy of the Code of Parliamentary Procedure shall be circulated to committee chairs and the executives of the society Article 14: Amendments Any proposed Amendment to the Bylaws, will be for warded to the By Laws committee for review After review the By Laws Committee will make recommendations to the Executive Committee The executive Committee may invite the proposer top resent and discuss the amendment at an executive meeting The President and the officers shall then refer the proposed amendment with their recommendations to the members for a vote The membership will vote to either recommend or not recommend approval of the proposed amendment Once accepted, The Secretary shall send via electronic mail, a copy of the proposed Amendment as it will be written in theBy-laws and once membership agrees, the amendment will be incorporated in the bylaws. Appendix A. Seal of the Southern NY ClinicalSociety

As a leading voice in healthcare advocacy, the McCune Smith Cordice Medical Society (MCSC) is dedicated to championing policy positions that promote equity, access, and inclusivity in healthcare. With a deep understanding of the systemic barriers that perpetuate health disparities, MCSC takes a proactive stance on key policy issues to drive meaningful change and improve health outcomes for all. Policy Positions Championing Equity and Access in Healthcare As a leading voice in healthcare advocacy, the McCune Smith Cordice Medical Society (MCSC) is dedicated to championing policy positions that promote equity, access, and inclusivity in healthcare. With a deep understanding of the systemic barriers that perpetuate health disparities, MCSC takes a proactive stance on key policy issues to drive meaningful change and improve health outcomes for all. 01 Healthcare Access and Affordability: MCSC advocates for policies that ensure equitable access to affordable healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity. This includes supporting initiatives to expand Medicaid coverage, increase funding for community health centers, and reduce out-of-pocket costs for essential healthcare services. 02 Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health: Recognizing the impact of social determinants of health on health outcomes, MCSC calls for policies that address underlying socioeconomic factors such as poverty, education, and housing. By advocating for investments in social services, community development, and economic empowerment, MCSC aims to eliminate disparities in health outcomes and improve the overall well-being of marginalized communities. 03 Workforce Diversity and Inclusion: MCSC advocates for policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the healthcare workforce. This includes supporting initiatives to increase the representation of minority physicians in leadership positions, enhance cultural competency training for healthcare providers, and address implicit bias in medical education and training programs. 04 Maternal and Infant Health: MCSC is committed to improving maternal and infant health outcomes, particularly among minority populations who experience disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and infant mortality. MCSC supports policies aimed at expanding access to prenatal care, reducing maternal morbidity and mortality, and addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. 05 Mental Health and Substance Abuse: MCSC advocates for policies that prioritize mental health and substance abuse prevention, treatment, and support services. This includes supporting initiatives to increase access to mental health care providers, expand coverage for mental health services, and destigmatize mental illness within communities of color. 06 Healthcare Disparities Research and Data Collection: MCSC calls for policies that promote research and data collection on healthcare disparities to better understand the root causes of inequities and develop targeted interventions. This includes advocating for increased funding for disparities research, improving data collection methods to capture race and ethnicity data more accurately, and promoting the use of data-driven approaches to address disparities. 07 Hotels & Resorts Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust. Focus on what makes the business unique and how users can benefit from choosing it. 08 Healthcare Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust. Focus on what makes the business unique and how users can benefit from choosing it. 09 Transportation Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust. Focus on what makes the business unique and how users can benefit from choosing it.