LAWSON ANDREW SCRUGGS MEDICAL AND DENTAL SOCIETY, INC.

Advancing health 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.

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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.

Mentorship for the Health Professional Pipeline

Our Health Professions Development Committee provides mentorship to aspiring health professionals from high school through graduate school, particularly students form underrepresented ethnicities.

Professional Development

LASMDS develops member leadership capability for health practice and a multidisciplinary health system approach.

Health Equity & Community Engagement

LASMDS innovates and partners with likeminded organizations to promote equitable healthcare access and improve health outcomes for underserved and at-risk populations across Wake County and the surrounding region. Our members work collectively to support community health initiatives, outreach efforts, and public health awareness programs. We foster networking and meaningful connections among healthcare professionals who share a commitment to service and excellence.

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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

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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

Janay Purdie, DMD

Vice President