The Duo Behind MelaMed
Dr. Norma D. Mobley and Dr. Persharon M. Dixon first met in 1988 while attending Physician Assistant (PA) school at Emory University, where they began building a friendship rooted in their shared passion for patient care and advocacy. Both initially worked in Obstetrics and Gynecology, further solidifying their bond through their dedication to improving healthcare for women. Later, they attended medical school during the same time period at the renowned Morehouse School of Medicine, where they deepened their commitment to addressing healthcare disparities. During their time at Morehouse, they participated in mission work, dedicating their time and expertise to improving healthcare access for underserved populations both locally and abroad.
After medical school, both Dr. Mobley and Dr. Dixon transitioned into the field of pediatrics, where they found their calling in caring for children and adolescents. Today, they serve as Medical Directors at their respective practices, continuing to lead with compassion and a commitment to equitable healthcare. These collective experiences planted the seeds for what would eventually become MelaMed, a platform dedicated to empowering women of color in medicine and advocating for equitable healthcare.
As board-certified pediatricians with decades of combined experience, both Dr. Mobley and Dr. Dixon have excelled as leaders in their respective fields. They have consistently gone beyond their clinical duties to advocate for diversity, inclusion, and wellness for women of color within medicine. Their shared belief in the importance of community, professional development, and holistic well-being inspired them to create MelaMed, a platform designed to empower women of color in medicine through education, resources, and connection. With MelaMed, Dr. Mobley and Dr. Dixon aim to build a thriving community where women physicians can prioritize their mental, physical, professional, and financial wellness.
Their hope is to reduce burnout, foster meaningful connections, and amplify the voices and impact of women of color in the medical field. Through initiatives like podcasts, wellness retreats, and professional development opportunities, they envision MelaMed as a space that not only supports its members but also creates lasting change within the healthcare system. Together, Dr. Mobley and Dr. Dixon are paving the way for a new generation of empowered women physicians, ensuring that their collective experiences, challenges, and triumphs are celebrated and used to inspire others.
MelaMed is not just their brand—it’s their mission to transform the lives of women in medicine while leaving an indelible mark on the world of healthcare.
Persharon M. Dixon, MD, MBA: Advancing Wellness and Advocacy in Medicine
Dr. Persharon Dixon’s career is a testament to resilience, advocacy, and excellence in pediatric healthcare. With over 35 years of experience, she has devoted her life to serving underserved communities, particularly children and families. Her journey, shaped by both personal and professional challenges, has been driven by a deep sense of purpose—advocating for vulnerable populations, especially in times of crisis.
After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Dixon moved to Mississippi, where she became a Medical Director of the Children’s Health Fund Pediatric Mobile Van program. This initiative provided crucial medical and mental health services to displaced children, and her impactful work gained national attention, being featured in The New York Times and on Good Morning America. Her efforts during this period are a poignant example of her commitment to improving the health and well-being of children, particularly those affected by disaster and displacement.
Dr. Dixon then advanced to the role of Chief Medical Officer at Coastal Family Health Center, overseeing 13 federally qualified health centers along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In her current role as Medical Director at Elevance Health (formerly Anthem, Inc.), she continues her advocacy, with a focus on health equity and the delivery of quality care to underserved populations.
Her work extends beyond the clinical realm; Dr. Dixon is deeply involved in community service, particularly through collaborations with women’s civic engagement organizations focused on African American communities. She strives to uplift and empower others, with a particular interest in encouraging Black women physicians to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Dr. Dixon’s career reflects her unwavering belief in the mission that God placed on her life—to be an advocate for children and underserved families, while also amplifying the voices of Black women in healthcare. Through her clinical expertise, advocacy, and leadership, Dr. Dixon continues to impact both the healthcare system and the communities she serves.
Norma D. Mobley, MD, FAAP: Empowering Women of Color in Medicine
Dr. Mobley is a compassionate and dedicated pediatrician with a deep commitment to improving the health and well-being of children, particularly those from underserved communities. Her passion for pediatrics stems from a deep belief in the importance of early childhood development and the power of preventative care. She understands that a child’s health is intricately linked to their social, emotional, and economic well-being. A member of the medical community for more than three decades, Dr. Mobley has become a strong advocate for healthcare equity, diversity, and inclusion, recognizing the vital role these principles play in ensuring all children have access to quality care. As a community pediatrician in Mobile, AL, she is well known for her dedication to achieving and maintaining the best standards of care by treating the “whole patient” in a professional yet caring manner. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Mobley is medical director of her busy practice and actively engages with the next generation of healthcare by maintaining connection with pediatric residents and precepting medical and allied health students at the University of South Alabama.
Being an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) at the state and national levels allows Dr. Mobley to participate in initiatives aimed at addressing health disparities within minority communities and work to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all children. On October 1st , 2024, she began her term as President of the AAP-Alabama Chapter and is the first African American female to hold the position.
Driven by commitment to health on a largescale, she has provided care to children in need through volunteer missions in Mexico, during post-Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi and following the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
For Dr. Mobley, the road to becoming a physician was non-traditional, and she confronted challenges in attaining her accomplishments. The unveiling details of her professional journey reveal an embodiment of perseverance and fortitude that is a testament of her faith. She is verification that having a strong support system is crucial for both personal and professional success.
Dr. Mobley believes being a pediatrician is her calling and trusts God to direct her path. Similarly, through the inspiration of MelaMed, she hopes to elevate the excellence and contributions of Black women physicians who are essential to the health and prosperity of our communities. She concurrently seeks divine coordination in creating a sanctuary of holistic well-being uniquely designed to rejuvenate and empower Black women physicians.
