Dr. Willie Underwood III Has Been Named AMA President
The board-certified urologist leads the organization amid a national physician shortage.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Men’s Health
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Dr. Willie Underwood III has assumed the role of the 181st president of the American Medical Association. His tenure begins as the organization faces significant challenges regarding a national shortfall of physicians.
Why it matters
The American Medical Association is currently addressing an estimated shortage of 86,000 doctors. This deficit is exacerbated by rising education costs, the closure of independent practices, and increasing retirement rates.
The American Medical Association reports a total physician shortage of 86,000, while medical school tuition has surged from $5,000 in 1988 to between $70,000 and $80,000 annually. Average student debt for those entering the field now exceeds $125,000.
The players
Dr. Willie Underwood III
He is the 181st president of the American Medical Association and a board-certified urologist.
American Medical Association
This professional organization represents physicians across the United States and advocates for healthcare policy changes.
The details
Dr. Underwood, who brings 25 years of operating room experience and 15 years of robotic urologic surgery expertise, advocates for increased residency programs and revised physician reimbursement policies. He also highlights that medical disparities are significantly driven by systemic issues such as wealth, housing, and lack of physician concordance.
Timeline
In 1988, Dr. Underwood attended medical school when tuition was $5,000.
At age 40, African American men are recommended to begin prostate cancer screening.
At age 45, men are advised to begin annual prostate cancer screening.
Health Landscape
Dr. Underwood's leadership follows the American Medical Association's advocacy for medical residency expansion. His tenure aligns with ongoing industry efforts to mitigate the structural decline in the medical workforce.
The shortage of physicians may impact patient access to care and the availability of specialized procedures like robotic surgery. Patients should note that annual prostate cancer screenings are recommended starting at age 45, or age 40 for those with a family history or of African American descent.
The takeaway
The rise in medical education costs creates a significant barrier to entry that contributes to the national physician shortage. Addressing this requires long-term policy shifts to ensure that future doctors can enter the workforce with manageable debt.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Men’s Health.
More information
For more information on national medical initiatives, visit the American Medical Association portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rolling Out.
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