Dr. Willie Underwood
Dr. Willie Underwood
Willie Underwood III, MD. MSc, MPH, a Buffalo based urologic surgeon was installed as the 181st President of the American Medical Association on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. The American Medical Association is widely recognized as the nation’s largest and most influential physicians’ organization. Dr. Underwood was sworn in with his wife, Kadi, by his side during an inauguration ceremony attended by about 1,000 family members, friends, Morehouse College alumni, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity brothers, professional colleagues, and AMA members. The ceremony and celebration were richly grounded in his faith and culture. Dr. Underwood is the third African American elected to serve in this prestigious leadership position.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Underwood warmly thanked many family members, friends, and colleagues, including his daughter Amina; his daughters by “merger and acquisition,” Yasmeen and Sophia; his son-in-law, Marcus; his siblings; an aunt; his in-laws; and his best friend of 50 years, Nathaniel Turner. He also honored his mother, grandmother, grandfather, and aunts for instilling high expectations and a commitment to excellence.
At age 10, he was called into a meeting with his mother, grandmother, and two aunts, who told him, “Willie, we need a doctor and a lawyer in the family. Your cousin is going to be the lawyer. What does that make you?” Though he was not given a choice, he embraced the assignment.
Dr. Underwood’s vision for the American Medical Association centers on advocacy, access, and trust. Using the image of an old house with a strong foundation that requires continual repair and renewal, he recognized both the profession’s challenges and the systemic practices that have opened doors for some while closing them to others. He pledged to focus his presidency on accessibility, health equity, and inclusion for all. He also urged his colleagues to help advance the AMA’s mission by collaborating on solutions, sharing resources, and driving meaningful improvements in health outcomes.