Aletha Maybank, a trailblazer in the field of health equity advocacy, recently announced her departure from the American Medical Association (AMA) after serving as the organization’s first chief equity officer for over five years. During her tenure, Maybank spearheaded efforts to address the AMA’s racist past, including its exclusion of Black physicians from membership for more than a century and its historical support of racist practices such as those of J. Marion Sims.
Under Maybank’s leadership, the AMA took a critical look at its own role in perpetuating racial health disparities and committed to dismantling white supremacy and racism within the medical field. This shift towards accountability and action was long overdue, according to many observers. Mary Bassett, director of the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University, noted that Maybank played a crucial role in guiding the AMA towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
Maybank’s decision to step down came as a surprise to many, but she expressed a desire to embark on a new venture that combines art and medicine to harness the power of narrative and storytelling in promoting health equity. Reflecting on her time at the AMA, Maybank emphasized the importance of emotional connections in driving systemic change.
Her departure comes at a challenging time for health equity advocates, with recent legal developments threatening to undermine diversity and inclusion efforts in the medical field. Despite these obstacles, Maybank remains hopeful that her work will continue to inspire progress towards optimal health for all.
As the AMA begins the search for Maybank’s replacement, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to anti-racist initiatives and acknowledged the significance of her contributions. Félix Manuel Chinea, director of health equity and inclusion strategy at Doximity, praised Maybank for her ability to catalyze change within a large and longstanding institution.
While some may feel disheartened by Maybank’s departure, she remains steadfast in her dedication to advancing health equity and believes that her legacy of advocacy will endure. As she transitions to a new chapter in her career, Maybank expressed confidence in the AMA’s ongoing commitment to anti-racism and commended the organization’s leaders for their support.
In a previous interview, Maybank reflected on the importance of preserving a legacy of dignity and resilience in the face of systemic challenges. Her work at the AMA has left a lasting impact on the field of health equity, inspiring others to continue the fight for a more just and equitable healthcare system.
