National Medical Fellowships Celebrates 80 Years of Strengthening the Future of Health Care

Anniversary weekend brings NMF's eight decades of impact full circle with national conversations, community health programming, and a milestone celebration

CHICAGO, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For 80 years, National Medical Fellowships (NMF) has worked to broaden pathways to medical education and ensure talented, aspiring health professionals have the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to succeed. This October, NMF will celebrate its eight decades of nationwide advocacy in Chicago, where its mission began.

Since 1946, NMF has supported more than 32,000 scholars across all 50 states, helping generations of physicians and health care leaders build careers dedicated to delivering excellent care.

"Eighty years of NMF is ultimately 80 years of investing in people and the communities they go on to serve," said Michellene Davis, Esq., President and CEO of National Medical Fellowships. "Our history demonstrates what becomes possible when talented students have meaningful pathways into medicine and the support to succeed. As we look toward our future, that work has never been more important."

NMF's investment extends beyond scholarships to mentorship, career development, service-learning opportunities, and clinical research leadership training, helping aspiring and current health professionals turn opportunity into lasting impact. Throughout its 80-year history, NMF has awarded more than $50 million in scholarships to alumni who have become physicians, educators, and health care leaders serving communities nationwide.

Nowhere will NMF's community-focused mission be more visible than during the NMF Impact × Rush University Community Health Fair on October 3 at Charles G. Hammond Elementary School. The event will bring NMF and Rush University medical professionals and advocates directly into the Chicago community, extending the anniversary beyond celebration and putting NMF's mission into action.

That community commitment will also be evident in NMF's collaboration with the CPASS Foundation, which works to create pathways for young people into STEMM careers. During the weekend, NMF and CPASS will co-present a discussion on Black maternal health featuring the documentary film Listen to Me at CPASS's symposium.

Beginning October 1, 2026, the four-day Homecoming Weekend will also feature a national Summit & Convening, featuring CPASS founder and NMF 80th Host Committee member Dr. Eric Whitaker, the NMF Connects reception, 80th Anniversary Gala at the Four Seasons Chicago, and the President's Legacy Luncheon.

For more information about the anniversary weekend, including a full list of featured speakers and honorees, visit www.80thnmfhomecoming.com.

SOURCE National Medical Fellowships, Inc.