our first witness will be doctor yolanda lawton. president of the national medical association for the largest organization representing black physicians. doctor lawton ob/gyn who is committed to addressing health inequities improving diversity among physicians. she is committed to eliminate maternal health disparities. doctor lawton thanks for sharing with us. >> thank you. >> is your mike on? press the button. >> good morning chairman sanders and a ranking member doctor cassidy and members of the committee. thank you for the opportunity to appear before the committee to discuss this critical issue addressing the shortage of racially prioritized healthcare professionals maternal health disparity i doctor yolanda lawton on testifying ob/gyn practicing in dallas, texas founder and a birthing center. i am currently the executive medical director maternal health healthcare services corporation. today i speak to you primarily in my capacity as a president of the national medical association. we have the largest and oldest national organ