The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) has announced its 2026 class of “40 Under 40 Leaders in Minority Health,” recognizing emerging health professionals who are working to improve care and reduce health disparities in communities across the United States. The honorees will be formally recognized during the NMQF Leadership Summit on Health Disparities and Health Braintrust, scheduled for April 27–28 in Washington, D.C.

The annual recognition highlights early- and mid-career leaders from minoritized communities who are advancing patient care, public health research, policy innovation, and community engagement. Since launching the program in 2016, NMQF has selected 40 leaders under the age of 40 each year who are working to strengthen health systems and improve outcomes for underserved populations. Readers can view the full announcement from NMQF in the organization’s official press release.

Health disparities remain a persistent challenge in the United States. Research from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that racial and ethnic disparities in health and healthcare access continue across many conditions and services, often reflecting broader social and economic inequities that affect communities of color. The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities notes that these disparities are largely preventable differences in health outcomes that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority groups and people living in low-resource communities.

Against that backdrop, NMQF leaders say cultivating a new generation of health equity advocates is critical.

“At a time when health disparities continue to challenge our system, supporting emerging leaders is essential to advancing a more equitable future,” said Dr. Gary Puckrein, president and chief executive officer of the National Minority Quality Forum. “The leaders we recognize today are not only driving innovation in health care—they are helping redefine what equitable, community-centered care should look like for underserved populations across the country.”

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Honoring a new generation of health equity leaders

The 2026 cohort includes clinicians, researchers, public health professionals, policy leaders, and advocates working across healthcare systems, government agencies, academic institutions, and community organizations. Their work spans a wide range of fields, from emergency medicine and dermatology to health policy and addiction treatment services.

Among the honorees are physicians working on health equity initiatives, researchers studying disparities in clinical outcomes, and community leaders focused on improving access to preventive care. Many hold leadership roles in major health systems, academic medical centers, and public health programs.

The honorees include professionals such as Dr. Annie M. Bailey of MedStar Health, dermatologist Dr. Leandra A. Barnes of Stanford University School of Medicine, Dr. Kevin Chen of NYC Health + Hospitals, and Dr. Maritza Harper of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Others include public health leaders like Michael H. Forde, director of health equity at Aetna Better Health of Maryland, and Stacia Johnston, director of community health at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

Several honorees are also working directly in federal and legislative policy roles. Michael O. Fraser serves as senior legislative counsel in the U.S. House of Representatives, while others are shaping healthcare strategy in private-sector organizations and nonprofit initiatives focused on social drivers of health.

According to NMQF, the program highlights individuals who are reshaping healthcare systems and strengthening trust between institutions and the communities they serve. The initiative also connects honorees to a growing national network of professionals working to advance health equity and improve health outcomes for underserved populations.

Rep. Robin Kelly of Illinois, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, emphasized the importance of developing new leadership in healthcare policy and delivery.

“This next generation of leaders are solving the problems of our healthcare systems today and building healthier communities for tomorrow,” Kelly said in a statement. “Our most vulnerable communities depend on our healthcare infrastructure, and I’m confident that these leaders will elevate the standard of care for every patient.”

The recognition comes as NMQF prepares to host its 2026 Leadership Summit on Health Disparities. This year’s theme is “ACCESS: Advancing Community-Centered Care through Environment Sensitive Standards.” The theme is grounded in the organization’s Physical Laws Framework, which emphasizes how biological and environmental factors shape health outcomes.

The summit brings together policymakers, researchers, healthcare executives, and community advocates to examine strategies for improving care in underserved communities. Discussions will focus on using data-driven policy, innovative care models, and community partnerships to strengthen access to care and address longstanding inequities. Those interested in attending can learn more and register for the 2026 NMQF Leadership Summit at https://nmqf.org/annual-summits/2026-annual-leadership-summit/.

As the healthcare system continues to grapple with persistent disparities, initiatives like the NMQF 40 Under 40 program aim to amplify voices and solutions emerging from the very communities most affected by inequities. The leaders recognized this year represent a new generation working to ensure that health systems serve all Americans more equitably.

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