Pamela Payne-Foster, MD, MPH

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Shining a Light on HIV/AIDS Stigma in Rural African American Communities

Dr. Pamela Payne-Foster, a distinguished preventive medicine/public health physician, is making waves in the medical community with her groundbreaking research on HIV/AIDS related stigma in rural African American populations in Alabama. Serving as a Professor at the Tuscaloosa Regional Campus of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine and Deputy Director for Community Outreach at the Institute for Rural Health Research, her work focuses on addressing health disparities and promoting HIV prevention strategies, especially within faith-based settings in rural Alabama.

With an impressive academic background that includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry Pre-Medicine from Xavier University, Master of Science and Medical degrees from Meharry Medical College, and a Master of Public Health Degree from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Dr. Payne-Foster furthered her training with an internship in internal medicine and residency in preventive medicine/public health at State University of New York at Stony Brook. Her extensive experience includes faculty positions at esteemed institutions such as Morehouse School of Medicine, George Washington University, SUNY Stony Brook, and the National Bioethics Center for Health Care and Research at Tuskegee University, emphasizing her commitment to advancing healthcare equity and access for underserved communities.

A dedicated member of several professional organizations, including the American Public Health Association and the National Medical Association, Dr. Payne-Foster actively contributes to the Poor People’s Campaign as the Tuscaloosa Lead and State Coordinating Committee member, and to Moms Demand Action as the Tuscaloosa Co-Lead, Get Smart Lead, and HVIP Lead. Her passion for community engagement is further demonstrated through her nonprofit organization, AframSouth, which she co-founded with her husband, William Foster, Jr. It focuses on HIV prevention initiatives and recently launched a radio station to promote public health awareness.

In addition to her impactful research and advocacy work, Dr. Payne-Foster is a published author and a prominent figure in her local community, serving on advisory boards and co-chairing health-related sections of national associations. Her commitment to holistic approaches to healthcare and addressing health disparities is evident in her books, “Is there a balm in Black America? HIV Prevention in the African American Community” and “Practicing Prevention”.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Payne-Foster enjoys vacationing in West Africa and the Caribbean. Her hobbies include water aerobics, watching foreign films and reality TV, and reading books. Dr. Payne-Foster frequently reads professional publications such as the American Journal of Public Health, the Journal of Healthcare for the Poor and Underserved, and Science. Her dedication to her community is further highlighted by her involvement in Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. and the Montgomery AL Alumnae Chapter.

Dr. Pamela Payne-Foster’s unwavering commitment to public health and her innovative approach to tackling HIV/AIDS stigma serve as a beacon of hope for underserved communities. Her work not only sheds light on critical health issues but also inspires others to join the fight for health equity and social justice.

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