On January 23, 1987, the James Wesley Vines Medical Society Inc. was granted a charter
to organize as a component society of the
National
Medical Association and the Golden State Medical Association in the Pomona Valley
Area. The first meeting was held on February 21, 1987, and at that time we elected our
first president, Benjamin G. Vines, M.D. an Internist who practiced in the
Montclair
area. Dr. Vines held this position until he passed away in 1989.
Dr. Rodney Parker held the presidency from 1989 until 1994 when Dr. Ernest Levister our
current President was elected.
In 1994 we changed our name from JWV a component Society of the National Medical
Association to Medial Society Inc. with the incorporation of the group as a non profit
organization.
Our Activities in the community include an active Speakers Bureau for those of the
community who need physicians to speak on health issues to members of the community;
support and advocate legislation which will affect our patients at a local level; sponsor
speakers on the college circuit to speak at local colleges and our latest endeavor,
Mentoring of Pre Health Students.
Who Was James Wesley Vines Jr. M.D.
James Wesley Vines Jr., M.D. was a in the Inland Empire psychiatrist, who's
outstanding, unselfish contributions and dedicated service as a Golden State Medical
Association member, NMA trustee and secretary of the Board, made his name an excellent
choice for a name for the NMA chapter.
What is the NMA
The mission of the National Medical Association (NMA) is to promote the science and the
art of medicine. The NMA also acts to influence society and its institutions, to
encourage, to protect and to promote the betterment of the public health, and the quality
of life for individuals and families. While throughout its history the National Medical
Association has focused primarily on health issues related to African Americans and
medically undeserved population, its principles, goals, initiatives and philosophy
encompass all sectors of the population.
