About UsHistory and PurposeThe W. Montague Cobb/National Medical Association (NMA) Health Institute (The Cobb Institute), a 501(c)(3) in Washington, DC, functions as a national consortium of scholars that engages in innovative research and knowledge dissemination for the reduction and elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities and racism in medicine. Solving one of our society’s most pressing problems, racial inequities in health, requires the collaborative work of public agencies, private entities, academic medical centers, and -- equally important -- communities. Founded in 2004, The Institute is named in honor of the late William Montague Cobb M.D., Ph.D., physician, anthropologist, and a distinguished professor of medicine and anatomy. Dr. Cobb influenced countless graduates of Howard University School of Medicine, including Randall C. Morgan, Jr., M.D., M.B.A. who is an orthopedic surgeon and Founding Executive Director of The Cobb Institute. OUR VISIONThe Vision for The Institute is to change the landscape of population health by becoming a valued resource for ethical, inclusive research and data-driven solutions and strategies pertaining to racial and ethnic health and health disparities and racism in medicine. OUR MISSIONThe Mission of The Institute is to conduct rigorous research and policy analysis, and engage in dynamic collaborative partnership for the reduction of persistent racial and ethnic disparities in health and racism in medicine. THE NATIONAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION NEXUSThe National Medical Association (NMA), also a 501(c)(3) in Washington, DC, is the collective voice of African American physicians and the leading force for parity and justice in medicine and the elimination of disparities in health. The Cobb Institute was launched by the NMA in 2004 at Howard University to expand the Association's research and policy analysis activities. In 2008, The Cobb Institute became a separate nonprofit entity from the NMA, even while remaining a close partners and collaborator. The NMA is the nation’s oldest and largest organization representing African American physicians and health professionals in the United States. Established in 1895, the NMA represents the interests of more than 50,000 African American physicians and the patients they serve. For more information about the NMA, click here. |
Announcements
Cobb & Company Podcast Episode 15: Dr. Hassan Tetteh talks about the many ways that artificial intelligence is reshaping healthcare, research, and the workforce, and it's origins in military applications. Cobb Institute Podcast
Calling Researchers to Join the Project IMPACT subscriber LIST. Lead. Inspire. Share. Transform. Complete the 10-minute survey
August 15, 2025 | The Cato T. Laurencin Lifetime Research Award Given to Dr. Paula A. Johnson
Code, Context and Care: Symposium recording now available.
The Cobb Institute Annual Lecture & Symposium
At the NMA Convention, Chicago
"CODE, CONTEXT & CARE: AI at the Crossroads of Healthcare, Research, and Workforce Development"
July 20, Ballroom North, Hilton Hotel, Chicago
PROGRAM DETAILS & PRE-REGISTRATION
AI is changing healthcare for everyone. But there are some risks. Review the webinar recording here.
“Combat & Community: Care at the Crossroads of Community Mental Health and Military Experiences"
For the Cobb Institute Monthly show with BDO this May we celebrate Memorial Day and observe both Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, discussing how trauma-informed care exists at the crossroads of community mental health and military experiences. Join us with BlackDoctor.org for a webinar on FACEBOOK LIVE on Thursday May 29 at 7:00pm ET. SIGN UP TO RECEIVE THE LIVE LINK HERE. ADD TO YOUR CALENDAR HERE. Our discussion team this month combines military experience with mental health expertise. Host Dr. Doris Browne served as a Colonel in the United States Army, Medical Corps, where she also led research initiatives. Trauma surgeon Dr. Mallory Williams served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and advocates for interventions to address violence and inequities in underserved communities. Dr. Rahn Bailey serves as the Chair of Psychiatry and is Assistant Dean of Community Engagement at Louisiana State University.
The Student National Medical Association AMEC 2025: AMEC 2025 will be held in person in St. Louis, MO at the America's Center from April 16-20, 2025. This years theme is Higher: Surpassing, Optimizing, Advancing and Reimagining our Purpose. The Cobb Institute will be convening a Cobb Scholars workshop and exhibit. MORE INFORMATION
Save the date: The Cobb Institute Annual Lecture & Symposium July 20, 2025
At the NMA Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly, July 19 - 23, Chicago.
"Code, Context, and Care: AI at the Crossroads of Healthcare, Research, & Workforce Development"
Podcast highlights: Dr. Cedric Bright discusses his journey from Brown to Duke University, the Durham VA, and the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, with podcast host Dr. Randall Morgan.
Heart-to-Heart: Video recording of the webinar with Dr. Quinn Capers (Howard University), Dr. Elizabeth Ofili (Morehouse College), and Dr. Randall Morgan (Cobb Institute) is available here. Get expert insights on heart health, prevention tips, and the latest in cardiovascular care—all in a relaxed and engaging discussion. Don’t miss this important conversation about cardiovascular health.
