Dear Colleague:

David Satcher M.D., Ph.D., as Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services and U.S. Surgeon General, reported that:

"The first goal of Healthy People 2010 is to increase the quality oas well as the years of healthy life. Here the emphasis is on the health status and nature of life, not just longevity. From a national perspective, healthy life means a vital, creative and productive citizenry contributing to thriving communities and a thriving nation.

The next goal is the elimination of health disparities by 2010. This will require new knowledge about the determinants of disease and effective interventsion for prevention and treatment. It will also require improved access for all to the resources that influence health. Indeed, despite notable progress in the overall health of the Nation, there are continuing disparities in the burden of illenss and death experience by African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and Pacific Islanders, compared to the U.S. population groups that have historically been disadvantaged economically, educationally and politically. We must do a better job in identifying the disparities that exist, work toward elimination, and strive to create better health for all."

It is the goal of the National Medical Association 2008 Continuing Professional Development Program to contribute to the elimination of disparities through Continuing Medical Education. This CME program is designed to affect competence, performance, and/or patient outcomes.