Membership
The National Medical Association was formed in 1895 at a time when African American physicians were not allowed to join the American Medical Association. The National Medical Association was “Conceived in no spirit of racial exclusiveness, fostering no ethnic antagonism, but born of the exigencies of the American environment, the National Medical Association has for it’s object the banding together for mutual cooperation and helpfulness, the men and women of African descent who are legally and honorably engaged in the practice of medicine…Charles V. Roman, M.D. NMA Founding Member and First Editor of the JNMA 1908.”
The Cook County Physicians Association (CCPA), which is the 111-year-old local society of the National Medical Association was founded in the same American environment in 1911 by Dr. George Cleveland Hall. The state society is the Prairie State Medical Society (PSMS). CCPA and PSMS are in Region IV of NMA.
The Cook County Physicians Association (CCPA), which is the 111-year-old local society of the National Medical Association was founded in the same American environment in 1911 by Dr. George Cleveland Hall. The state society is the Prairie State Medical Society (PSMS). CCPA and PSMS are in Region IV of NMA.
The Cook County Physicians Association was founded in order to address racial, political and economic problems in the delivery of medical care and education, especially as they impact African Americans. Among the goals of the Cook County Physicians Association is the desire to increase the number of African American physicians, as this is one of the critical issues of this time.
Our Mission/Goals
- To sustain the highest standards of the medical profession and medical education;
- To foster favorable role models for the community;
- To provide on-going education and mentoring of minority physicians and student physicians;
- To set standards and guidelines for quality education of minority physicians on all levels by providing consultation to medical school faculties and monitoring for proper utilization and placement of minority physicians;
- To increase the number of underrepresented minority physicians dedicated to the delivery of health care;
- To ensure sound health care legislation reflective of African-American and other minority concerns;
- To work towards universal medical knowledge and universal health coverage by supporting and providing input that relates to an adequate health care system.
Executive Comittee
Audrey L Tanskley, MD
CCPA PresidentTrained at UIC/Advocate Christ Medical Center in Internal Medicine
Stephen Watson, MD
CCPA Immediate Past PresidentTrained at Northwestern University in Ophthalmology
Erica Taylor, MD
CCPA Vice PresidentTrained at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center Obstetrics and Gynecology
Whitney Lyn, MD
CCPA TreasurerTrained at Cook County-Loyola-Provident in Family Medicine
Sylvia Robinson, MD
CCPA SecretaryComing Soon....
Yvonne Collins, MD
NMA Region IV ChairTrained at at Cook County Hospital in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York.
Meet A Member
Dr. Wanda Averhart
Dr. Wanda Averhart (Dr. Wanda) is a double board certified physician in general pediatrics and obesity medicine. Dr. Wanda graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She went on to attend Medical School at the University of Illinois Chicago. While there, Dr. Wanda began to develop her clinical interest in obesity and children by participating in research projects centered around eating behaviors of WIC participating mothers and their children. Dr. Wanda completed the General Pediatrics Residency Program at Morehouse College of Medicine and graduated as the most punctual resident of the class. Since then Dr. Wanda has developed a robust skill set and experiences from having worked in a variety of outpatient general pediatric settings – from academic medicine to underserved health care to private practice. She has continued to advance her knowledge by also becoming board certified in obesity medicine. Dr. Wanda is a well-rounded pediatrician that excels in leadership, education, communication, and providing comprehensive, culturally competent patient care. Now, caring for children and parents as a consultant for general pediatrics and obesity in private practice, Dr. Wanda is improving care for women and families, with the goal of building a more equitable healthcare system and world for us all. Dr. Wanda always strives to be the pediatrician she would want treating her children.
- Graduate of University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign
- Medical School: University of Illinois- Chicago
- Specialty: General Pediatrics
In a world where you can be anything, be kind - Clare Pooley
Find a Doctor
(Coming Soon)
President’s Welcome
Welcome to the Cook County Physicians Association, the oldest African American medical organization in Cook County! We are delighted to have you join our esteemed community, which is dedicated to excellence in healthcare and the advancement of African American physicians.
Our organization has a rich history of service, advocacy, and leadership. By becoming a member, you are not only joining a network of accomplished professionals but also becoming a part of a legacy that strives to significantly impact healthcare disparities within our community.
