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What is the NMDA?

The National Medical and Dental Association (NMDA) is a non-profit organization of Polish-American health professionals dedicated to provide a high standard of health care within their communities to promote professional excellence and perpetuate the bone of kinship amongst Polish-American professionals.

The National Medical and Dental Association is the parent organization of several smaller local units or chapters. Chapters are located in Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Newark, Pittsburgh, and Erie. Members not located in a Chapter area attend meetings at the National combined convention.

The governing body consists of officers and an Executive Board of regional consultants. Elections are held bi-annually at the NMDA convention to which members in good standing participate.

Jobs and a new life in America brought masses of Polish immigrants to the cities and industrial centers of our Nation. Faced with strained health resources, prominent leaders in the professions recognized the need for a National Organization to cope with health problems amongst the new arrivals.

In 1910 these dedicated men met in Detroit and organized the Polish Medical and Dental Association of America. Dr. K. G. Cieslak was its first Presdient. It was incorporated in 1924 in Ohio and after World War II the name was changed to the National Medical and Dental Association, Inc.

The primary objectives of health education and disease control being met, the NMDA remains a clearing house of news and information, encouraging publication of scientific articles in the Bulletin, reviews of technical advances and lectures to keep abreast of new developments. The yearly meetings of members allows for mutual dialogue and the evaluation of current health problems. Our excellent scientific program offers continuing medical education credit to those attending.

A Bulletin is published and sent to current members with news, scientific articles and announcements of our annual convention. A scholarship fund is maintained to help needy students to continue their studies in medicine and dentistry. The coveted Man/Woman of the Year award is presented to an outstanding Polish American who has distinguished him/herself in their field. Since World War II, several tours to Poland have been organized to meet with Polish professionals and to visit their health facilities. Sensitive to the need of our colleagues overseas, the NMDA spearheaded the shipment of medical supplies. Valued at millions of dollars, some of the supplies were donated and others purchased with funds raised in the U.S.A.

Active membership is available to physicians and dentists of Polish heritage licensed to practice medicine and dentistry. Annual dues are $40.

Associate membership is available to individuals of allied professions (e.g. nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, optometrists, physician assistants, etc.). The associate membership carries no voting privileges and individuals do not attend business meetings. As such, they are entitled to the privilege of attending conventions (scientific sessions); receiving all publications and being kept informed of all social and fraternal activities. These individuals are subject to dues.