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Ira L. Myers Service Award Presented to

Dr. Melinda Rowe of Alabama Medicaid

April 16, 2025

ALABAMA MEDICAID AGENCY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, April 21, 2025
CONTACT: MELANIE CLEVELAND – (334) 353-9363 – melanie.cleveland@medicaid.alabama.gov  
 
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Medical Association of the State of Alabama named Dr. Melinda G. Rowe, MD, MBA, MPH, as the recipient of the 2025 Ira L. Myers Service Award.

The award is named in honor of Dr. Ira L. Myers, Alabama’s State Health Officer from 1963 to 1986, and it recognizes Medical Association members who have demonstrated faithful and meritorious service to the medical profession throughout their careers. First presented in 1986, the award is one of the highest honors bestowed by the Association.

Dr. Rowe currently serves as the Assistant Medical Director for the Alabama Medicaid Agency. With more than 37 years of experience in public health, she has exhibited a strong commitment to both clinical excellence and health system leadership. Prior to joining Alabama Medicaid, she worked in private practice, served as regional medical director for Qualis Health in Birmingham, and provided medical consulting services for the Alabama Disability Determination Service.

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Rowe has held leadership positions across several states, including Alabama, Georgia, and Kentucky. She served as Assistant State Health Officer for five Alabama counties for 10 years before becoming Director of Health for the Louisville/Jefferson County Health Department in Kentucky, where she led public health efforts for a population of over one million. She later served more than seven years as Commissioner of Health for the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department.

The award was formally presented to Dr. Rowe during the Medical Association’s Annual Session conference on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The event brought together physicians from across the state to honor her exceptional contributions to public health.

“Dr. Rowe’s career has been defined by an unwavering dedication to improving health outcomes for individuals and communities,” said Alabama Medicaid Commissioner Stephanie McGee Azar. “Her impact on public health—both in Alabama and beyond—has been profound, and we are proud to have her as a leader within our agency. This recognition is well-deserved.”

Dr. Rowe’s recognition with the Ira L. Myers Service Award highlights the critical role of public health professionals in advancing the well-being of Alabama’s communities.

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