Membership

About Us

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

Erica Taylor, MD

CCPA President

Trained at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center Obstetrics and Gynecology

Audrey L Tanskley, MD

CCPA Immediate Past President

Trained at UIC/Advocate Christ Medical Center in Internal Medicine

Stephen Watson, MD

Vice President

Trained at Northwestern University in Ophthalmology

Whitney Lyn, MD

CCPA Treasurer

Trained at Cook County-Loyola-Provident in Family Medicine

Sylvia Robinson, MD

CCPA Secretary

Coming Soon....

Yvonne Collins, MD

NMA Region IV Chair

Trained 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

Join CCPA

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(Coming Soon)

President’s Welcome

I am deeply honored to serve as the President of the Cook County Physicians

Association (CCPA) and to continue the legacy of advocacy, excellence, and

service that has defined our organization for over a century. As we stand at the

intersection of medicine, policy, and community health, I am committed to

ensuring that CCPA remains a powerful voice for physicians and the diverse

patient populations we serve.

As a board-certified OB-GYN, healthcare leader, and patient advocate, I

have dedicated my career to advancing equitable healthcare, improving

eﬃciency in medical practice, and mentoring the next generation of physicians.

I believe that now, more than ever, we must harness our collective expertise to

address the challenges facing our profession—physician burnout, social

determinants of health, and systemic barriers to quality care.

Our Vision

Advocacy & Policy Engagement

We will continue to champion policies that protect physicians’ ability to provide

high-quality, evidence-based care while addressing health inequities in Cook

County.

Physician Wellness & Professional Development

We must care for the caregivers. I will prioritize initiatives that support physician

well-being, mentorship, and career growth, ensuring that our members thrive

both professionally and personally.

Community & Public Health Initiatives

As healthcare clinicians, we must bridge the gap between medicine and the

communities we serve. CCPA will strengthen partnerships that promote

preventive care, decrease the Black life expectancy gap, and chronic disease

management in Cook County.

Education & Innovation

With the rapid evolution of medical advancements, we will enhance educational

opportunities that equip our members with the latest knowledge in healthcaredelivery, digital innovation, and practice management.

As I step into this role, I invite you to engage, collaborate, and lead with me.

Your voices, experiences, and expertise are the backbone of this organization.

Let’s work together to shape a future where physicians are empowered,

healthcare is equitable, and our impact is lasting.

Thank you for your trust and commitment. I look forward to serving you.

In service and solidarity,

Dr. Erica E. Taylor

President, Cook County Physicians Association