Every year, AMSA organizes its House of Delegates (HOD) meeting, a pivotal event where members actively shape the direction of the organization. Serving as AMSA’s official policy-making body, the HOD brings together representatives from our chapters to vote on policies and elect national officers. It’s an inclusive forum where every AMSA member has a voice, allowing us to collectively decide on key issues that impact our organization’s trajectory.
AMSA’s mission is to educate and empower diverse future physicians to become unapologetic advocates for equitable healthcare and foster generations of culturally respectful leaders. Our vision is ambitious yet hopeful – we envision a world where healthcare is accessible, medicine is affordable, and systems support the diversity we see around us.
At AMSA, we deeply care about maintaining and striving for upholding these values. Our Preamble, Purposes, and Principles (PPP) embody these values, while our Constitution, Bylaws, and Internal Affairs (CBIA) dictate how we govern and manage our organization to uphold our mission and vision.
This year, the discussions held during the Annual HOD Meeting and our Board of Trustees(BOT) meeting were particularly impactful. We deliberated on a wide range of topics, including proposed changes to AMSA’s membership types, the restructuring of the Action Committees, the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, human rights issues, and our relationship with industry. Our unwavering commitment to equity in health care has never been more vital, guiding us to navigate the complexities of our mission with integrity and pragmatism. In response to the evolving challenges, we have thoughtfully decided to accept funding from commercial actors within the health care sector, strictly aimed at enhancing our operational capacities. This strategic decision, motivated by the urgent need to broaden our reach and capabilities, is carefully considered to ensure it does not undermine our mission, vision, goals, or the integrity of our work. Through strategic partnerships with commercial entities, we seek to harness additional resources, expertise, and networks to substantially amplify our impact, ensuring these collaborations align with our core values and objectives and contribute meaningfully to our vision for health care equity.
We recognize the potential complexities and concerns this decision may generate and wish to assure our community of our deep commitment to transparency, accountability, and our mission. Our resolve to drive meaningful, positive change is stronger than ever, and we remain devoted to engaging in open dialogue, listening attentively, and transparently sharing our strategies and decisions. Together, with our partners, supporters, and the communities we serve, we are committed to forging a future where health care equity is achieved for everyone. Through collective effort, mutual understanding, and shared ambition, we will confront these challenges and realize the profound change we strive for.
As we move forward, AMSA remains dedicated to fostering a community of future physicians who are not only clinically proficient but also compassionate advocates for change. Some of AMSA’s impactful initiatives this fiscal year include:
- AMSA Digital Rural Health Corps Initiative: Addressing rural healthcare disparities through Telehealth and digital resources, enhancing digital literacy in targeted counties.
- Doris Duke Foundation Collaboration: Leading a study and advocacy plan to drive change in medical research, with the help of our Racial Equity Civic Science Fellow to promote diversity and inclusivity in healthcare.
- Healing the Gap Initiative: Promotes inclusive medical research with three pillars: a Research Directory for student opportunities, Advocacy for awareness and change, and a Spotlight Series on equitable research. Leveraging AMSA’s network and social justice commitment, it tackles under-representation, offering resources and advocacy for inclusivity and effectiveness in healthcare.
- Reproductive Health Project: Advocating for full access to reproductive health services, providing education and training, and offering scholarships for projects focusing on reproductive justice research.
To learn more about the PPP and CBIA changes, please check out our updated governing documents and our proposed resolution. Together, let’s continue to strive for a better, more equitable healthcare system for all.
