Aletha Maybank, the inaugural Chief Health Equity Officer of the American Medical Association (AMA), has announced her resignation effective at the end of the year, marking a significant transition in her leadership role which she has held since 2020. Dr. Maybank’s departure comes after a notable tenure focused on advancing health equity, spearheading initiatives that aimed to address systemic barriers to health care access for marginalized communities across the United States. In her statement, Dr. Maybank expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, stating, ‘I am proud of the progress we have made towards health equity during my time at AMA, and I look forward to seeing continued advancements in this critical area.’ Under her leadership, the AMA launched several pivotal programs, including the Equity in Health Care program and the AMA’s Health Equity Resource Center, which provided tools and resources aimed at improving health outcomes for disadvantaged populations. Dr. Maybank has been a vocal advocate for policies that promote social justice and health equity, emphasizing the AMA’s commitment to eliminating health disparities caused by structural inequities. As her tenure concludes, the AMA is currently engaged in discussions to identify her successor, with an emphasis on continuing the momentum and initiatives established during her years at the helm. The announcement of her departure has been met with mixed reactions, with many colleagues expressing admiration for her contributions while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead in the journey toward a more equitable health system. ‘We will miss her leadership and vision,’ said an AMA spokesperson, highlighting the deep impact of Dr. Maybank’s efforts on the organization’s approach to health equity.
