Myrna E. Alexander Nickens

Dr. Myrna E. Alexander Nickens is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) School of Medicine, specializing in Cardiovascular Diseases. She previously served as Associate Professor (2012–2020) and has held clinical roles at Jackson Cardiology Associates (1995–2012) and Henry Ford Hospital (1993–1995). Her work focuses on cardiovascular disease in women, adult congenital heart disease, and health disparities.

Her research interests span

• cardiovascular health in pregnancy
• echocardiography
• hypertension
• acute myocardial infarction in women
• health equity

She has led studies on oxygen transport in heart failure, ST elevation in non-obstructive coronary disease, and insurance disparities affecting cardiac outcomes.

Dr. Alexander Nickens has authored key publications in journals like The American Journal of the Medical Sciences and Southern Medical Journal. Her work has been supported by grants from Amgen and Janssen, including a symposium on women's cardiovascular disease in 2018.

Scientific awards include

• 2023 Axel C. Hansen Distinguished Physician Award
• 2022 Hall of Fame, National Black College Alumni Hall
• 2022 Master Clinician, UMMC
• 2018 Tougaloo College Influencer Award

She also mentors medical students and fellows, supervising over 15 cardiology fellows since 2013.

Dr. Alexander Nickens chairs UMMC's Diversity and Inclusion Committee and leads initiatives like the Women's Heart Support Group (founded in 2013). She has organized health fairs, Go Red campaigns, and educational seminars on cardiovascular disparities, women's health, and physician burnout.