The Old North State Medical Society (ONSMS) was formed in 1887 to further the interests of African American physicians and continues to support the interests of minority physicians. We focus on educating and advocating for the most vulnerable patients and people residing in communities that consistently produce poorer health outcomes and seek to protect the quality of patient care in all communities of North Carolina.
ONSMS is the state branch of the National Medical Association in North Carolina, dedicated to equitable healthcare for all NC citizens and eliminating racial, ethnic and economic health disparities. It represents the interest of 3200 African American physicians practicing in the state.
The society has eight component local societies with approximately 830 active members, and operates across the state of North Carolina including Charlotte, Durham, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Greenville, Jacksonville, Raleigh and Winston-Salem. Established in 1887 at Shaw University’s Leonard School of Medicine, the society was organized to advance African Americans in medicine and to resist injustice including the denial of Blacks to the field of medicine.
Today, the work of Old North State Medical Society continues in an environment of ever-increasing demand, focusing on health advocacy for physicians and patients, elimination of health disparities, increasing minority enrollment in medical schools and increased patient access to medical care in North Carolina.
Our Vision
Advocacy, Diversity and Education
Advocacy, Diversity and Education
The battle for equality and equity in healthcare continues today. Historically and presently, the ONSMS continues to:
Promote equity in healthcare and advocates in the interest of physicians challenged by discriminatory actions.
Work toward eliminating racism in the practice of medicine.
Support legislative action to improve healthcare for all people, including the poor, the aged and the residents of rural and urban areas.
Offer to its members a continuing scientific program with frequent presentations by its own member specialists, as well as by the leading medical scholars adn researchers in the state and nation.
Why Join?
How Does ONSMS Benefit Me?
How Does ONSMS Benefit Me?
Initially formed to protect the rights of African American physicians, The Old North State Medical Society has evolved over its 134-year history to welcome all minority physicians seeking professional support and access to quality peer networks. For our growing membership the mission remains the same—protect the rights of our members, provide opportunities for professional growth and development, and advocate for patient populations that suffer from limited access to quality medical care.
Key Benefits
- Education and training at 2 annual conferences.
- Access to our statewide physician network.
- Participate in the ONSMS Speaker’s Bureau.
- Opportunities to offer and receive Mentoring.
What to expect
From Our Memberships
From Our Memberships
The Old North State Medical Society provides minority physicians with comprehensive support, offering a suite of benefits that encompass professional development, networking, advocacy, and access to specialized resources. Members can engage in continuous learning through workshops and conferences, connect with peers for collaboration and mentorship, and contribute to meaningful advocacy efforts that shape healthcare policies. The society also facilitates career advancement with job resources and fosters a supportive community, enabling physicians to deliver superior care to underserved populations and thrive in their professional journeys, all within a single, inclusive platform.
Become A Member
Active Physicians
- Earn CME Credits
- Provide CME Credits
- ONSMS Professional Network
Retired Physicians
- Mentor Young Physicians
- Provide CME Credits
- ONSMS Professional Network
Resident & Fellows
- Access To Internships
- Access To Conferences
- ONSMS Professional Network
Medical Student
- Access To Internships
- Access To Conferences
- ONSMS Professional Network