News

March 26, 2009 - AMA eVoice®

From the President, Nancy H. Nielsen, MD, PhD

Match Day—an unforgettable experience

Last Thursday every medical school in the country had the same exciting, anxiety-producing ritual. It was Match Day, when almost all graduating seniors find out where they will spend the next three to seven years of their lives in residency training. Let me tell you how it went at my medical school, the University at Buffalo. Most of you reading this went through this process awhile—maybe quite a while—ago, so just sit back and relax as I set the stage.

The residency application process begins around Labor Day each year, as students go through one of four processes to match. About 95 percent go through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP); others go through the military match, the urology match or the San Francisco match (mostly for ophthalmology). The fall is spent getting documents together and sending them out electronically or in hard copy, awaiting interview invites (this is a high-anxiety time) and then finally traveling around the country on interviews. Toward the end of February, applicants and programs submit their choices in rank order. Then everyone waits.

For those in the NRMP, Monday of Match week in mid-March is the day most anxiously awaited. At noon that day, seniors get an electronic message entitled, "Did I match?" If yes, the student relaxes and worries about where the spot will be, which isn't known until noon Thursday. If no, the unmatched student meets with me privately that afternoon to strategize on plan B. All we know on Monday afternoon is how many positions in each field are unfilled, but we don't know where they are.

This year's Match was very, very tight. There were only 11 unfilled psychiatry spots in the entire nation; only five went unfilled in general surgery. So the student has to decide what to do if the desired choice doesn't work out. The odds are pretty clear at that point. If changing fields may be necessary, I counsel the student to write a personal statement about why they're a good fit for that new field and advise that a letter of recommendation from a faculty member in that field be obtained. And of course, we mostly help them deal with disappointment and turn it into determination.

At our school, the Tuesday "scramble" for unfilled positions is a bonding ritual, albeit one everyone hopes they won't have to go through. I have each student bring several classmates as part of the "team," and we all meet in the morning to go over the rules and the strategies.

At 11:30 a.m. I find out where the exact openings are, but students are forbidden by Match rules to make contact with programs until noon. So those 30 minutes are filled by the team for each applicant divvying up the places to contact. Cell phones are readied, sign-in sheets are prepared and crucial documents are handed out. Fax machines are commandeered throughout our building. Deans are immediately available for references.

At the stroke of noon, relative chaos begins as each team member tries to get through to the program that has the "pot of gold," meaning an unfilled position. And guess what? The phones and faxes are busy, the electronic applications can't be downloaded. You get the drift. It is frustrating, maddening, frightening—as the student contemplates having no job after graduation. We've warned them about this, and that's why the team is so important. If one person gets frustrated, another takes over.

The question on the phone is simple: "I'm applying for your unfilled position. Is it still open, and how would you like to receive the documents?" That's assuming you can even get through on the phone, since there are 9,000 applicants also trying for those prized positions. And it's heartbreaking to learn that the position has just been filled. That happens within minutes; over half the unfilled positions are gone within the first four hours.

So at our school, we call this "team UB." Classmates who did match volunteer to help those who didn't. We provide breakfast and lunch on Tuesday as well as moral support, encouragement and enthusiasm. There's running around, calling back, tears, hugs and high fives when someone gets placed. Somehow it always works out, as it did this year, though there were terribly tense moments until the last student secured a spot. I worry that someday we will have someone graduating with more than $140,000 in school debt who cannot secure a residency position. It hasn't happened yet, but it's a real concern.

This year there were 22,427 first-year residency spots available in the Match. U.S. graduating seniors constituted 15,638 of the applicants, along with 10,874 who were international medical school grads, 2,015 osteopathic medical school seniors and 1,222 former U.S. medical school grads. Ninety-three percent of U.S. seniors matched, but if your son or daughter was in the scramble, you will know the anxiety I've described. At our school we work hard to be sure everyone is prepared, that we laugh and fuss and occasionally let out a swear word or two when faxes are jammed. But we also bond as a school and as a graduating class in a very powerful way.

Then on Wednesday our whole senior class has a daylong retreat. Trusted and beloved faculty members are invited to participate as the students share the best and the most challenging parts of medical school. Each person brings a cherished object and tells stories ranging from why they came to medicine to the patient that most changed them. The power of that retreat, organized yearly by our Gold Humanism in Medicine Honor Society, is the capstone of the year and has been emulated in other schools, we were proud to learn. The idea of the retreat sprung from the work and writings of Rachel Remen, MD. We wouldn't trade it for anything.

On Thursday morning, all our seniors and their families assemble at a downtown establishment. The deans come, as do many other university personnel. At the stroke of noon, I use the microphone to call out the name on the first of the randomly arranged envelopes. It's time for "a dollar and a dream," and each student drops a dollar into a basket before getting the envelope that tells them the cherished residency spot where they'll be spending the next few years. Some open the envelope immediately; others wait until friends get theirs and all open simultaneously.

I keep calling names; every name is met with claps and cheers from everyone, and then suddenly the screaming and hollering starts as first choices are in the envelope! They're not all first choices, obviously, and occasionally there are disappointments, but the place erupts with joy, with optimism and excitement, and cameras are flashing, parents are crying, babies are laughing. It is really something! The last person to be called up gets the basket full of dollar bills.

So that's what it's like at our school on Match Day. The torch is passed to a new generation of doctors. And we will miss them, every one.

Please send comments, questions and replies to amaprez@ama-assn.org.

E-mail comments, questions and replies to Dr. Nielsen

General AMA news

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender physician issues

1) Report finds health disparities among Rhode Island lesbian, gay and bisexual youth
The Rhode Island Department of Health has released a report examining health indicators and risk factors for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) public high school students.

The report examines data from Rhode Island's 2007 High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey and notes that students who identify as LGB were more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as use of alcohol, tobacco use and other illegal drugs, as well as more likely to have been sexually active and to have had multiple sex partners. The report suggests that LGB youth are in need of targeted school and community programs to support and promote more positive health outcomes.

2) Study examines why transgender youth face increased levels of violence in school
According to a study released by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, transgender youth face extremely high levels of victimization in school. As the first comprehensive study on transgender students, Harsh Realities: The Experiences of Transgender Youth in Our Nation's Schools, found transgender students are more likely than their non-transgender lesbian, gay and bisexual peers to experience violence. They also are more likely to speak out about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues in the classroom.

Group practice physician issues

1) Avoid five mistakes made in managing employee benefits programs
Employee benefits represent a group practice's second or third largest expense behind payroll and/or equipment. With operating budgets squeezed, making a mistake with your employee benefit program can be financially devastating to your practice. Employers unaware of available cost reduction options and programs are likely to pay 10 to 25 percent more. With an average premium paid by employers in 2008 of $9,325, according to the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, a group practice with 100 employees might be paying well over $233,000 in unnecessary expenses each year.

That's why AMA Insurance Agency Inc., a subsidiary of the AMA, recently approved Thesco Benefits, LLC into its Trusted Source Network^SM. Thesco is a leading benefits consulting and insurance brokerage firm that offers a full spectrum of medical practice and employee benefit insurance products and consulting services. Through research and experience working with AMA members, Thesco identified the five most common mistakes made in managing benefit programs. Access an online audio presentation by the AMA Insurance Agency based on Thesco's research.

To help eliminate unnecessary costs and provide compliance guidance, Thesco has agreed to offer a complimentary program evaluation exclusively to group practices with AMA members. But this is a limited opportunity.

Contact AMA Insurance Agency Assistant Vice President Mike Hegwood at (800) 458-5736, ext. 5247, to schedule an evaluation. Visit the AMA Insurance Agency Web site for more information on the Trusted Source Network.

International medical graduate issues

1) Submit resolutions for upcoming AMA-IMG Assembly meeting
Resolutions for the June 12 AMA-IMG Assembly meeting are due April 3 and can be sent via e-mail. Submissions received by the deadline will be placed online for review and with testimony submissions.

The AMA-IMG Section Governing Council and resolutions committee will serve as the reference committee by reviewing all submitted testimony and finalizing resolutions by April 27. AMA-IMG Section members may vote between April 30 and May 7 to approve or not approve each resolution in its final form.

Contact the AMA-IMG Section to submit resolutions.

View the resolution writing guidelines. Call Carolyn Carter-Ellis at (312) 464-5397 with questions.

2) Send in your e-mail address
AMA-IMG Section members interested in participating in the upcoming AMA-IMG Section Governing Council election must first consent to the use of their e-mail address to conduct AMA business.

Send your full name and e-mail address along with a short sentence of consent by March 30 to ensure that you receive your election ballot via e-mail. The online election will take place from April 13–May 13.

Contact the AMA-IMG Section to send your information and consent.

Call Carolyn Carter-Ellis at (312) 464-5397 for more information.

3) Attend the AMA-IMG Assembly meeting in Chicago
Mark your calendars for the AMA-IMG Section Assembly meeting, which will take place June 12–15 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

Visit the AMA-IMG Web site for the full schedule and to register to attend.

Contact J. Mori Johnson or call (312) 464-5678 if you would like to participate in the meeting.

Medical school news

Brought to you by the AMA Section on Medical Schools

1) Apply for a position on the AMA-SMS Governing Council
Candidates interested in a position on the 2009 AMA-SMS Governing Council are encouraged to submit materials by May 4. Open positions include chair-elect, three members-at-large and section liaison to the AMA Council on Medical Education.

Contact Jackie Drake for more details and an application form. Elections will be held at the June AMA-SMS meeting.

2) Save the date: 2009 AMA-SMS Annual Meeting in Chicago
The next AMA-SMS meeting will be held June 12–14 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. This meeting will provide medical education colleagues an opportunity to network, help develop AMA policy and discuss issues affecting medical education.

On June 12, the AMA-SMS will hold a joint educational session with the AMA Medical Student Section on mentoring medical students. The section will also hold a joint educational program with the Council on Medical Education on resident duty hour limits. On June 13, the AMA-SMS will present a panel on inter-professional collaboration in health care and the implications for medical schools and graduate medical education.

Meeting registration and hotel reservation information were mailed to all section representatives last week. If you have not received these materials by April 3, e-mail Jackie Drake or call the section office at (312) 464-4655.

Visit the AMA-SMS Web site for more information.

3) JAMA accepting papers to use in medical education issue
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) invites authors to submit manuscripts on topics relevant to medical education for its theme issue to be published in December.

Topics of interest include diversity in medical education, career choices and the physician work force, and teaching quality improvement. To receive highest priority, submissions should be original research papers, systematic reviews and scholarly commentaries addressing medical education. Manuscripts received by May 31 will have the best chance of consideration.

Visit the JAMA Web site for more information and guidelines for submission.

4) Apply for the AMA Foundation awards research grants
Twenty-eight medical students and resident and fellow physicians recently received research grants as part of the AMA Foundation's Seed Grant Research Program. With the $2,500 grant, winners will be able to conduct small basic science, applied and clinical research projects in the areas of cardiovascular/pulmonary diseases, HIV/AIDS, leukemia and neoplastic diseases.

The AMA Foundation established the Seed Grant Research Program to encourage more physicians to enter the field of research.

"We are excited to be able to help young physician investigators with their research endeavors," AMA Foundation President Jean Howard said. "The AMA Foundation is committed to supporting the discoveries and professional development of scientists at the start of their careers."

View a list of this year's recipients (PDF).

Medical student issues

1) Give back to your community, participate in the Doctors Back to School Program
Do you remember what motivated you to become a physician? Was it somebody in your family or community? More likely than not, this person was your source of inspiration and hope in attaining your goals. Now, as a budding physician, you have the opportunity to do the same for a child in the local community.

This April, give back to the community by participating in the AMA's Doctors Back to School (DBTS) program. Sponsored by the AMA, the program urges students and physicians to contribute one hour to visit local schools and encourage minority students to pursue medicine.

Visit the Doctors Back to School Web site and read this brochure (PDF) for more information and free resources for sponsoring an event.

Visit the AMA-MSS Community Service Committee Web site or contact the Committee with questions about the DBTS program.

2) AMA Code of Medical Ethics now online
For the more than 160 years, the AMA's Code of Medical Ethics has been the authoritative ethics guide for practicing physicians. The code articulates the enduring values of medicine as a profession.

As a statement of the values to which physicians commit themselves individually and collectively, the code is a touchstone for medicine as a professional community. It defines medicine's integrity and the source of the profession's authority to self-regulate. The code evolves as changes in medicine and the delivery of health care raise new questions about how the profession's core values apply in physicians' day-to-day practice, linking theory and practice, ethical principles and real world dilemmas in the care of patients.

The code today consists of core Principles of Medical Ethics complemented by extensive commentary and guidance on specific topics in the form of opinions by the AMA's Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs (CEJA), as well as CEJA reports and analyses on which these recommendations for ethical practice are based.

Are you hungry for more knowledge? Would you like to take a break from textbooks and read new articles from physicians in the field? Your AMA benefits are bringing that resource to your front door.

Look in your mailbox for the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the most comprehensive resource for original research, reviews, commentaries, editorials, essays, medical news and correspondence. An international peer-reviewed general medical journal published 48 times annually, JAMA is the most widely circulated medical journal in the world. Since 1883, physicians and health care professionals around the world have turned to JAMA for groundbreaking research and insightful commentary from leaders across the broad spectrum of health care.

Online content includes PowerPoint image downloads, the ability to save and organize your favorite articles, and JAMA authors discussing their articles—live or via podcast.

You can choose to receive the weekly print version, or just access it online. Don't forget this valuable membership resource that the AMA provides.

Visit the JAMA Web site.

If you're an AMA member, don't lose valuable resources such as JAMA. Renew your membership. If you're not a member, join the AMA today and begin receiving them.

4) Cover the Uninsured Week: Wright State University School of Medicine
As part of Cover the Uninsured Week (CTUW), the AMA-MSS chapter at Wright State University School of Medicine will host a panel discussion on the needs of uninsured patients, what they do to survive and how one can obtain medical care when they do not have. Other events will include a health fair focusing on the problem of the uninsured and a fundraiser benefiting their local free clinic.

Last year, more than 50 AMA-MSS chapters participated in CTUW events. Chapter involvement grants (CIGs) are available to AMA-MSS chapters to help fund student projects and recruitment events. Chapters are eligible for up to $1,000 per academic year, with a maximum of $500 per event.

Apply for a CIG at least 30 days before your event.

View more information on CTUW.

5) Mark your calendars: AMA-MSS Assembly meeting deadlines
In preparation for the AMA-MSS Assembly meeting, June 11-13 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, please keep the following deadlines:

• Meeting ideas for educational sessions are due by April 1
• Convention Committee applications are due by April 2
• Post draft resolutions to the MSS Health Policy and News listserv are due by April 10
• Chapter of the Year Award applications are due by April 30
• Final resolutions and checklist are due by May 1
• Meeting registration is due by May 7
• Governing council position applications are due by May 15

The AMA-MSS will also hold its annual Medical Specialty Showcase, where physicians from specialty societies represented in the AMA House of Delegates will provide comprehensive information on medical specialties for students entering the residency selection process.

Stay tuned for more information on educational sessions, featured speakers and the national service project, "Covering the Uninsured and Protecting Access to Care."

Visit the AMA-MSS Section Web site for more information and applications for the meeting.

6) Submit your meeting ideas
Do you have an idea for an educational program or other event at the AMA-MSS meeting in June? If so, submit your idea by April 1. Because of limited time, there is no guarantee that your idea will be implemented.

Contact the AMA-MSS speaker or vice speaker with any questions.

7) March issue of Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness Journal now available
Gender-based violence and liability protection laws are among the topics highlighted in the March issue of the AMA's Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness Journal, which is now available online.

One study found that Mississippi women who were displaced to other parts of the state by Hurricane Katrina faced increased sexual and physical violence following the disaster, while the other found public health emergency relief efforts in the United States may be hindered by unclear liability protection laws for medical emergency responders.

Visit the AMA Web site to view a news release about the studies.

Visit the Journal's Web Site to access the March issue.

Minority health issues and professional concerns of minority physicians

Brought to you by the AMA Minority Affairs Consortium

1) Apply for the Minority Scholars Award
The AMA Foundation is accepting nominations for the Minority Scholars Award, which recognizes scholastic achievement, financial need and personal commitment to improving minority health. Scholarships in the amount of $10,000 are granted to first- or second-year medical students from historically underrepresented groups in the medical profession. The deadline for submissions is April 15.

This program is presented in association with the AMA Minority Affairs Consortium, with support from Pfizer, Inc. A medical school dean or the dean's designate can submit up to two nominations from their institution to the AMA Foundation.

Contact Dina Lindenberg at (312) 464-4193 with additional questions or if your school did not receive the nomination procedures.

2) FDA approves new HPV detection tests
Two screening tests that will help clinicians refine HPV testing for women who are at risk for developing cervical cancer have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The test screens for DNA sequences of HPV types 16 and 18 in cervical cells, which cause about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases in US women.

According to Daniel Schultz, MD, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, "Results from these two tests, when considered with a physician's assessment of the patient's history, other risk factors and professional guidelines, can help physicians better determine risk and could lead to better patient management."

Organized medical staff issues

1) AMA Annual Meeting webcasts added to archives
The AMA-OMSS is offering four 90-minute educational webcasts: "Transitioning to an improved hospital discharge," "Keys to the successful implementation of the revised Joint Commission Medical Staff Bylaws Standard MS.1.20," "Creating a new future for a new day with a revamped organized medical staff structure" and "Physician hospitals of America: Reclaiming quality patient care through physician leadership."

Three of these programs provide AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Visit the AMA-OMSS Web site to access these programs and learn more about each one.

Accreditation statement
The American Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation statement
The American Medical Association designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

2) AMA offers guidance in developing code of conduct
The new Joint Commission leadership standard covering code of conduct, LD.03.01.01, took effect Jan. 1, 2009. The standard's Elements of Performance requires, among other things, that hospitals have a code of conduct that defines acceptable, inappropriate and disruptive behavior, and that leaders create and implement a process for managing disruptive and inappropriate behaviors.

In response to these actions, the AMA adopted policy that calls for medical staffs to develop and implement their own code of conduct in the medical staff bylaws. Under the policy, hospitals should also have a code of conduct applicable to members of the board, management and all employees.

To assist medical staffs with implementation of a code of conduct in accordance with AMA policy and consistent with the Joint Commission leadership standard, the AMA Office of the General Counsel, in conjunction with the AMA-OMSS, drafted a model code of conduct for insertion in medical staff bylaws.

In addition, AMA members can access the "Physicians' Guide to Medical Staff Organization Bylaws" (PDF), an excellent resource for medical staffs and their bylaws committees.

3) Save the date: 2009 AMA-OMSS Annual Meeting in Chicago
The AMA-OMSS Assembly meeting will be held June 11–13 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Look for more information to come shortly in regard to this meeting.

View the full 2008 AMA-OMSS Interim Assembly Meeting summary and PowerPoint presentation for the AMA 2008 Interim meeting, as well as its disposition of actions.

4) Download free copy of AMA-OMSS presentation for medical staffs, hospital boards
The AMA-OMSS developed two PowerPoint presentations—one for medical staffs and another for hospital boards—to provide information on the section and its mission, duties and past actions.

AMA members can view and download these presentations free of charge.

5) Align your bylaws with Joint Commission standards
Because medical staff bylaws are considered a contract and are legally binding in most states, it is extremely important that they are well-designed and well-written. The fourth edition of the "Physician's guide to medical staff organization bylaws" contains practical guidance on bylaws development, model bylaw language, information on emerging issues and recent trends in medical staff re-engineering. The guide will be especially helpful to medical staffs as they update their bylaws to align with Joint Commission standards.

AMA members can download the guide (PDF) at no charge.

6) Resource helps strengthen physician-hospital relationship
A printable version of the "Principles for strengthening the physician-hospital relationship," developed by the AMA-OMSS and adopted by the AMA House of Delegates, is available online. These principles are designed to improve the working relationship between physicians and hospitals and ultimately foster better patient care and improve patient safety.

View and download (PDF) these guidelines.

Send an e-mail to order a poster of the principles for your medical staff lounge.

Resident and fellow issues

1) Application deadline for Fieldman Award extended
There is still an opportunity to apply for the Jordan Fieldman, MD, Award, which recognizes residents and fellows interested and active in advocacy issues. The new application deadline is March 30.

Award recipients will be funded for travel to the AMA-RFS Annual Assembly Meeting in June, where they will be recognized.

Visit the AMA-RFS Web site for more information and to access an application.

2) Submit resolutions for the AMA-RFS Assembly meeting
The AMA-RFS is accepting resolutions for its upcoming assembly meeting to be held June 11–13 at the Chicago Hyatt Regency. The deadline to submit resolutions is April 30.

When submitting resolutions, research AMA and AMA-RFS policy and include any relevant policies, along with your references. AMA Policy Finder can be used to search current AMA policy, and the AMA-RFS Digest of Actions is helpful for applicable AMA-RFS Policy.

Visit the AMA Web site to access AMA Policy Finder.

Read the AMA-RFS Digest of Actions (PDF).

Visit the AMA-RFS Web site to learn how to write and submit your resolutions. Or call (312) 464-4277 with any questions.

3) Apply now for AMA-RFS Governing Council
Are you interested in becoming a leader in the largest national organization of residents and fellows? The AMA-RFS is accepting applications for the following positions on its governing council: vice chair, speaker, vice-speaker, delegate, alternate delegate, and membership and outreach officer. Applications are due by May 14.

As the guiding force of the AMA-RFS, the governing council is responsible for directing the section's programs and activities, appointing ad hoc committees, setting both the Annual and Interim Assembly meeting agendas, and monitoring resolutions and reports during governing council meetings, which are held four times a year.

Visit the AMA-RFS Web site for more information about governing council duties.

4) The CPT^® Assistant newsletter: Just one benefit of being an AMA member
How well do you understand the intricacies of coding? You might not have tackled coding during residency or fellowship, but as a practicing physician, you will be responsible for the accurate coding of services. As an AMA member, the CPT^® Assistant newsletter can help you with coding issues.

The CPT^® Assistant newsletter brings you detailed articles, commentaries, updates and other timely facts. Read specific clinical vignettes that offer insight into confusing codes or view anatomical illustrations, charts and graphs for quick reference. A subscription to the newsletter is available to AMA members at a discounted price.

Read more about the CPT^® Assistant newsletter and to subscribe to it.

Send an e-mail to order a free sample of the CPT^® Assistant newsletter.

If you're an AMA member, don't lose valuable resources such as the discounted CPT^® Assistant newsletter subscription rate. Renew your membership. If you're not a member, join the AMA today and begin receiving them.

Senior Physicians issues

1) AMA Foundation honors physician with Jack B. McConnell, MD Award for Excellence in Volunteerism
The AMA Foundation honored senior physician Richard Baylor, MD, with the Jack B. McConnell, MD Award for Excellence in Volunteerism during the recent Excellence in Medicine Awards dinner and ceremony.

Dr. Baylor recently stepped down from his position as medical director at Northern Neck Free Health Clinic in Kilmarnock, Va., where he has provided health care to thousands of low-income patients. At the age of 85, he remains a daily presence at the clinic and works tirelessly to treat patients and ensure the development of programs and procedures that assure continuity of quality of care.

John Knote, MD, vice chair of the AMA-SPG, attended the award program and was fortunate to share a dinner table with Dr. Baylor and Dr. McConnell.

"Dr. Baylor's efforts in the clinic which he established and from which he will soon retire at age 85 years are truly inspiring, as are the former efforts of Dr. McConnell," said Dr. Knote. "I would hope that each of us in medicine could contribute to the extent of these two impressive doctors."

Presented in association with Pfizer Inc, the Excellence in Medicine Awards honor a select group of physicians, residents, fellows and medical students who exceed standards of volunteerism, public service and leadership.

Through the group Corporate & Endowment Solutions, Inc. (CES), physicians can plan for the future with the Physicians Life Income Plan^SM (PLIP^SM). As an approved member of the AMA Insurance Agency's Trusted Source Network^SM, CES's PLIP^SM program provides an efficient supplemental retirement savings program that works like a "Roth IRA" for physicians.

During last year's Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates, the AMA Insurance Agency hosted an educational session conducted by CES President Randy O'Brien.

Contact Mike Hegwood, assistant vice president with AMA Insurance Agency, at (312) 464-5247 for more information. Visit the AMA Insurance Agency Web site for more information on the Trusted Source Network.

View highlights from the educational session.

Women physician and women's health issues

Brought to you by the AMA Women Physicians Congress

1) Apply for AMA-WPC Governing Council
Online elections for the AMA-WPC Governing Council will start the second week of April. Additional information on voting and commenting will be sent shortly via e-mail.

Visit the AMA-WPC Web site after April 6 for more information.

E-mail Michael Kutnick or call (312) 464-4335 with any questions.

2) Take advantage of AMA Foundation scholarship opportunities
The AMA Foundation offers a range of scholarship opportunities, and the following awards have approaching deadlines:

• The Minority Scholars Award offers 12 scholarships of $10,000 to first- or second-year medical students. The nomination deadline is April 15.
• The Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarships offer several $10,000 scholarships to third-year medical students. The nomination deadline is May 29.
• The Arthur N. Wilson, MD Scholarship offers one $5,000 scholarship to a medical student who grew up in Southeast Alaska. The application deadline is June 15.
• The Scholars Fund collects funds for each medical school to distribute to deserving students. The nomination deadline is July 1.

The medical school dean or the dean's designate must submit nominations to the AMA Foundation for the Minority Scholars Award and the Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarships and choose the recipient for the Scholars Fund.

Young physician issues

1) Save the date: AMA-YPS Annual Assembly Meeting in Chicago
Young physicians, mark your calendars. The 2009 AMA-YPS Annual Assembly Meeting will be held June 11–13 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Contact the AMA-YPS by May 1 to submit resolutions and volunteer for reference, AMA House of Delegates handbook review and credentials committees.

E-mail Jane Ascroft for more information.

2) Apply for AMA-YPS community service awards
The AMA-YPS invites nomination forms for its annual community service awards. Through these awards, the section strives to not only recognize excellence in community service activities carried out by young physicians, but to also encourage similar efforts by other doctors. Nominations are due May 1.

Nominees must be AMA members. Recipients will be selected by the AMA-YPS Governing Council and honored for their work during the annual AMA-YPS Assembly meeting on June 12.

Visit the AMA-YPS Web site for more information, to download a nomination form or submit a nomination electronically.

3) Pre-register for child care at the Annual Meeting
Physicians with children attending the Annual Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates are encouraged to register for Camp AMA. Child care is available for children ages 6 months to 12 years old and will include arts and crafts, games and activities from June 12–16 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

Camp AMA is provided by Accent on Children's Arrangements, Inc., and will be made available if a minimum number of children are registered by May 5.

Visit the Camp AMA Web site for more information and to register for Camp AMA.

4) Apply for AMA-YPS Governing Council positions
Candidates interested in a position on the AMA-YPS Section Governing Council are encouraged to submit nominations by June 1. Open positions include: chair-elect, who serves a three-year term as chair-elect and immediate past chair; speaker, who serves a two-year term; alternate delegate, who serves a two-year term; and member at-large, who serves a two-year term.

All terms begin at the close of the Annual Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates. After June 1, nominations will only be accepted from the floor at the June 12 AMA-YPS Assembly Meeting. Candidates whose nomination forms are received prior to June 1 will be posted on the AMA-YPS Web site.

Download (PDF) a nomination form.

Learn more about AMA-YPS Governing Council positions and duties.

5) March issue of Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness Journal now available
Gender-based violence and liability protection laws are among the topics highlighted in the March issue of the AMA's Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness Journal, which is now available online.

One study found that Mississippi women who were displaced to other parts of the state by Hurricane Katrina faced increased sexual and physical violence following the disaster, while the other found public health emergency relief efforts in the United States may be hindered by unclear liability protection laws for medical emergency responders.

Visit the AMA Web site to view a news release about the studies.

Visit the Journal's Web Site to access the March issue.