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LAWSON ANDREW SCRUGGS MEDICAL AND DENTAL SOCIETY, INC.
Advancing healthcare equity, professional excellence, and community impact in North Carolina.
Originally established in 1890, the medical society is named after Lawson A. Scruggs, one of the first graduates of Shaw University's Leonard Medical School in 1886. Dr. Scruggs was the first attending at St. Agnes Hospital and was one of the four founders of the Old North State Medical Society. The mission of LASMDS is to support policies, access, and value to future generations of physicians and vulnerable patients of all backgrounds in North Carolina.
About Us
Empowering Health and Wellness for All
The Lawson Andrew Scruggs Medical and Dental Society, Inc. is a regional component of the Old North State Medical Society. Our organization brings together healthcare professionals committed to improving health outcomes, supporting professional development, and addressing disparities in care across North Carolina. Membership includes physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers.
Our Initiatives
Our Work & Initiatives
The Lawson Andrew Scruggs Medical and Dental Society, Inc. advances health equity and professional excellence by supporting healthcare providers across North Carolina. As a regional component of the Old North State Medical Society, we bring together physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and allied health professionals committed to improving health outcomes and addressing disparities in care.
Professional Development
We provide opportunities for continuing education, mentorship, leadership development, and collaboration among healthcare professionals dedicated to serving diverse communities.
Advocacy & Health Equity
We advocate for policies and initiatives that promote equitable healthcare access and improve outcomes for underserved populations across North Carolina.
Community Engagement
Our members work collectively to support community health initiatives, outreach efforts, and public health awareness programs.
Networking & Collaboration
Through meetings, forums, and partnerships, we foster meaningful connections among healthcare professionals who share a commitment to service and excellence.
Our Focus
Empowering Communities for Better Health
At LASMDS, we are dedicated to promoting leadership development, enhancing health literacy, and advancing health equity in underserved communities. Our focus is on empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being, while ensuring access to quality care and education.
Leadership Development
Our dedicated team focuses on developing leaders across various sectors of health systems and education. We believe in building strong relationships with community members to foster trust and collaboration. We promote leadership development of Society members for executive and advisory roles in health systems, policymaking, administration, and academics.
Health Equity and Access
We work to advance health, health literacy, health equity and access in underserved and under-resourced communities in Wake County and surrounding counties without regard to ethnicity, culture, race, color, creed, and national origin. Collaborating with state, local, and national partners to improve public health and support legislative action to improve health care for all people, including, but not limited to the poor, the aged, and other underserved populations.
Education and Training
Our approach to education and training aims to enhance the pipeline for students from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. We are committed to encouraging new medical and dental school graduates and young dentists and physicians to establish practices in North Carolina and to provide care to underserved areas and
populations.
Meet Our Team
Driving Positive Change in Health
Our team at LASMDS is composed of dedicated individuals who are passionate about driving positive change in health and education. Each member brings unique expertise and a shared commitment to advancing health equity, promoting leadership development, and enhancing the education and training pipeline for underrepresented community members.
Edwin K. Burkett, MD
President
Dionne Harrison, MD
Secretary
Bryan Apple, MD
Treasurer
Cori Rogers
Christi Davis, DDS
DeLon Canterbury, PharmD, BCGP
Jeffrey Scales, MD
Myrna Janay Purdie, DMD