Columbus, OH – The Columbus Medical Association and Affiliates is pleased to announce Tracy L. Davidson MS, CCC-SLP as its new Chief Executive Officer. Davidson is a seasoned local and national healthcare leader with over 20 years of executive leadership experience in managed care, network strategy, medical and behavioral health policy, and quality improvement. She is an Ohio-licensed speech-language pathologist and former certified case manager. Tracy is well prepared to guide CMA into its next chapter of growth and community impact. “I am honored to join the Columbus Medical Association as CEO,” Davidson stated. “It’s a privilege to lead an organization deeply rooted in service to physicians and the community.”

A passionate advocate for underserved communities, and for those with complex medical and behavioral health care needs, Davidson focuses on improving population health and reducing health disparities. Her leadership includes roles on not-for-profit boards and community initiatives, notably with CMA affiliate Physicians CareConnection.

Davidson succeeds Robert Falcone, MD, who led the organization for the past eight years and made significant strides in advancing CMA’s mission. “It has been an honor to serve the Columbus Medical Association & Affiliates,” said Dr. Falcone. “I am proud of our achievements, and I am confident that under Tracy’s leadership, CMA will continue to thrive and positively impact the community.”

The Columbus Medical Association & Affiliates look forward to the fresh perspectives Davidson will bring, reinforcing their commitment to advancing health and wellness for physicians, patients, and the community.

About the Columbus Medical Association & Affiliates
The Columbus Medical Association & Affiliates are transforming healthcare in Central Ohio. Through initiatives like the Columbus Medical Association Foundation (CMAF), Physicians CareConnection (PCC), and the Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA), the organization is addressing critical healthcare challenges. From empowering future Black doctors to providing trauma care, CMA is reshaping healthcare to be more accessible, equitable, and impactful for the entire community. Learn more at columbusmedicalassociation.org.

As physicians, we all have a critical role to play in addressing the growing crisis of maternal mortality both in Ohio and across the country. Alarmingly, maternal mortality rates have been on the rise, and in 2021, for the first time, mental health conditions became the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. Every mother lost is not just a personal tragedy for her family but also a clear indicator of the gaps in our healthcare system. This is a call to action that demands collaboration, education, and advocacy across all specialties.

The latest CDC data reveals a maternal mortality rate of 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021, a sharp increase from previous years. The disparities are particularly troubling for Black women, who are 2.6 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women. In Ohio, similar trends emerge, with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders contributing significantly to maternal deaths. According to the Ohio Department of Health, nearly 60% of pregnancy-related deaths between 2017 and 2019 were preventable, with mental health factors playing a major role in many of these cases.

These statistics highlight an urgent need for all of us, regardless of specialty, to be part of the solution. Mental health conditions must be addressed by every provider involved in maternal care, whether you're an obstetrician, primary care physician, emergency care provider, or in another field. Mental health issues like postpartum depression, anxiety, and substance use cannot be overlooked, and early intervention is key. We must work together to ensure these conditions are identified and treated promptly, potentially saving lives.

Beyond education, advocacy is essential. We need to support policies that improve access to care, such as extending Medicaid coverage for postpartum care from 60 days to a full year. This policy has already shown promise in improving maternal health outcomes, especially for mental health services. Ohio has made progress in this area, but there is still much work to do at the state and federal levels. Mental health screenings should also be fully integrated into routine maternal healthcare. Just as we monitor vital signs, we need to make mental health assessments a standard part of prenatal and postpartum care, allowing for early detection and timely intervention.

Looking ahead, it’s clear that every physician has a vital role to play in reducing maternal mortality. By advocating for stronger healthcare policies, educating ourselves and our colleagues, and making mental health a priority in maternal care, we can prevent unnecessary tragedies. Every mother lost is not just a loss for her family, but a reminder of where our healthcare system needs to improve. Together, we can build a system that fully supports the mental and physical well-being of every mother, ensuring they receive the care they need before, during, and after childbirth.

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Maternal Mortality Data

• Ohio Department of Health, Maternal Mortality Review

I am honored and excited to step into the role of President of the Columbus Medical Association. For more than 20 years, I have been involved in the amazing work here at CMA (Columbus Medical Association), working as a physician volunteer at the Physicians CareConnection free clinic and participating as a CMA board member.

Since joining Riverside Hospital and OhioHealth in 1997, I have dedicated myself to the practice of clinical cardiology, with interests in advanced cardiac imaging, cardiac prevention, and heart disease in athletes. I have held many administrative positions at Ohiohealth, including System Chief of Cardiac Imaging. Most recently, I was also the President of the Ohio Chapter of the American College of Cardiology (ACC).

After so many years of working one-on-one with patients, I am excited that the CMA has provided an opportunity to contribute to the well being of our entire Central Ohio community.  As I take on this new role, I am inspired by the expertise and dedication of our members and teams at CMA. Together, we can address the evolving challenges in healthcare, advocate for ourselves, and our patients/clients, and support each other as professionals. My vision for the Columbus Medical Association is one of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the health of our communities.

On a personal note, my family has lived in New Albany for many years, and I am an avid runner, cyclist, and golfer. I am also very proud that my two sons have decided to stay in the “family business” as physicians. Thus, I have both a personal and professional interest in the future of our health care community.

I look forward to working closely with all of you! Please email me if you have any thoughts, questions, or concerns about our robust organization. Thank you for your trust and support as we embark on this new journey together!