CHICAGO - Cecil B. Wilson, M.D., an internist from Winter Park, Florida was named president-elect of the American Medical Association (AMA), the nation's largest and most influential physician organization. Following a year-long term as president-elect, Dr. Wilson will assume the office of AMA president in June 2010.

"As AMA president-elect, I pledge to serve as the strong voice and dedicated advocate of our AMA membership on the pressing issues confronting the practice of medicine in the United States and the health of our patients," said Dr. Wilson.

First elected to the AMA Board of Trustees in 2002, Dr. Wilson served a one-year term as board chair in 2006-2007. He had previously chaired the AMA's Membership Committee for three years, leading efforts to focus member involvement and leadership on the AMA's national health care advocacy agenda. Prior to being elected to the AMA Board, Dr. Wilson represented Florida in the AMA House of Delegates for 10 years.


Dr. Wilson has a distinguished record of service and leadership in organized medicine. He was president of the Florida Medical Association and chair of its Board of Governors and executive committee. He has served as president of the Orange County Medical Society and of the medical staffs of Winter Park Memorial Hospital and Florida Hospital Orlando Medical Center. He is a former chair of the American College of Physicians Board of Regents. For his dedication to organized medicine and to his patients, Dr. Wilson received the Florida Medical Association's highest honor, the Certificate of Merit and the prestigious Laureate Award from the American College of Physicians.

Currently, Dr. Wilson serves as the national fellow and advisor for the Center for Global Health and Medical Diplomacy at the University of North Florida. He is also a board member of COLA, a physician-run organization that accredits more than 8,000 physician office laboratories nationwide.

After receiving his bachelor's degree in history and medical degree from Emory University, Dr. Wilson completed his residency in internal medicine in the U.S. Navy. He served as a Navy flight surgeon, rising to the rank of commander. Dr. Wilson has been in private practice in Central Florida for more than 30 years. He is board-certified in internal medicine and a Master of the American College of Physicians.

More Voices