Dr. Edith Irby Jones graduated from Knoxville College in 1948 with a Bachelors of Science in biology, chemistry, and physics. Later that year, her acceptance to the UAMS School of Medicine, a segregated medical school, made her an overnight national news sensation. In 1948, she was the first African American to be admitted to and in 1952 to graduate from UAMS School of Medicine. In 1985, she became the first female president of the National Medical Association. Because of the Dr. Jones’ illustrious career and contributions, the UAMS Chapter of the SNMA chose to never forget her efforts by allowing their chapter to bear her name.
Edith Irby-Jones SNMA Chapter
Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is the nation’s oldest and largest independent, student-run organization focused on the needs and concerns of medical students of color. Established in 1964 by medical students from Howard University School of Medicine and Meharry Medical College, the membership includes over 5000 medical students, pre-medical students, residents, and physicians.
In the fall of 1971 a young medical student, Linda Ann Haynie, received a call from Dr. Patricia Newton, a former UAMS student, informing her about the existence of SNMA. Dr. Linda Haynie Green contacted the organization and established a charter for a local chapter. The first chapter members were Paul Smith, Tommie L. Love, Linda McDade, Sterling B. Williams, Herman Ferrell, Ishmael S. Reid, and Linda Haynie. The group decided to name the chapter after Dr. Edith Irby Jones.
THE SNMA MISSION
Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is committed to supporting current and future underrepresented minority medical students, addressing the needs of underserved communitities, and increasing the number of clinically excellent, culturally competent and socially conscious physicians.
A Message from the SNMA President
Greetings everyone!
It is an honor to be able the lead the Edith Irby-Jones chapter of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). This chapter is filled with a rich history of trailblazers and involved alumni willing to give back and lend a helping hand whenever it’s needed. Joining SNMA has provided me with a platform to support current and future underrepresented minority medical students and address the needs of underserved communities. As current president, I strive to progress SNMA’s standard of excellence by continuing to emphasize community service, youth outreach, and educating future physicians to become more culturally competent and socially conscious.President, Quincy Gragg
Phone: 501-960-6351
Email: cqgragg@uams.edu
Edith Irby-Jones – UAMS SNMA Chapter 2023/2024 Officers
Co President- Kayla Jimmerson, kajimmerson@uams.edu
HPREP Chair-
Community Service/MAPS Chair-Wijewardane, Niroshi NWijewardane@uams.edu
HPREP (Health Professions Recruitment Engagement)
MAPS (Minority Association for Pre-medical Student)
UAMS Hosts Student National Medical Association Region III Conference
Reach Delta (REACH) (Raising Exposure and Awareness of Careers in Health)
Co-President: Evan Hicks, edhicks@uams.edu
Advisors: William Greenfield, greenfieldwilliamw@uams.edu
Billy Thomas, thomasbillyr@uams.edu