Glenda F. Newell-Harris, M.D., is a distinguished physician, author, speaker, and patient advocate with a profound commitment to addressing health disparities and ensuring equal access to quality health care for all. A native of North Carolina currently residing in Oakland, California, she holds a medical degree from the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine and a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Tufts University. Additionally, she is certified in Physician Leadership and Managing Ambulatory Care from the Harvard School of Public Health.

Dr. Newell-Harris practices internal medicine and serves as the regional medical director for YesCare, one of the leading providers of correctional health care in the United States. In this role, she leads a team of medical professionals and ensures the provision of quality health care within correctional facilities.

In February 2024, Dr. Newell-Harris was appointed by President Biden to serve on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee of the Office of Minority Health. In this capacity, she advocates for the health interests of racial and ethnic minority groups.

Her career includes service as a Lieutenant in the National Health Service Corps, and as a physician with Kaiser Permanente, Planned Parenthood, and Alameda Health System in the San Francisco Bay area. She has also held private practice, been a medical consultant in various health care settings, and served as vice chair of the Health Commission for the City of Oakland.

She has held leadership roles in health and medical organizations, including her tenure as a regional officer for the National Medical Association. She serves on the advisory board of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and sits on the board for the Ethnic Health Institute. She also actively participates in the Sinkler Miller Medical Association.

In addition, her community involvement includes serving as the board chair of the Imani Community Church in Oakland, and as a trustee at her high school alma mater, Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, Connecticut.

Dr. Newell-Harris is a respected medical expert and sought-after speaker who frequently engages in national discussions on complex health issues. She lends her expertise to various organizations, including those in the corporate, medical, women’s health, faith-based and youth sectors.

The book she co-authored, Focus On Your Best Health, uses real-life scenarios to provide health care consumers with practical solutions to their medical encounters. It underscores her dedication to empower consumers to communicate, navigate and advocate for themselves within the health care system.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Newell-Harris is a global leader. Her career is characterized by community and international service for underserved populations in the United States, Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean.

As the 16th National President of The Links, Incorporated and The Links Foundation, Incorporated—one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations—she was the first and only medical doctor to serve, bringing decades of health and medical expertise to increase awareness and education in health advocacy and prevention. Under her leadership, the organization launched a minority women’s medical scholarship program to address the shortage of minority medical doctors in communities nationwide.

Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the National Medical Association’s Scroll of Merit, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award for Leadership and Global Community Service, and the Distinguished Service Award from the National Medical Fellowship. She has received accolades from Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, John Hale Medical Society, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Jack and Jill of America, NAACP and many others.

Dr. Newell-Harris remains a trusted and influential voice for the community. Her dedication and passion drive her ongoing commitment to advancing health literacy, patient advocacy, leadership development and well-being. Through her latest platform, she continues to make a profound impact on the health and lives of others.

Physician, Medicine, Health, Healthcare, Women's Health, Healthcare Providers Global Health, Public Health, Patient safety, Patient Boundary Issues, Authors, Female Leadership, Leadership,