Leadership

SMS leaders and leadership opportunities

The Governing Council serves as the direct communication link between the AMA and Section members and has responsibility for the programs and activities of the Section.

The Governing Council has nine members: Chair, Chair-elect, Immediate past chair, Delegate, Alternate delegate, three Members-at-large, and Liaison to the AMA Council on Medical Education. Governing Council members are selected by the SMS Nominating Subcommittee and elected by the Section representatives attending the June Annual Meeting. The members elected assume office at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting at which the election was held and serve until the conclusion of the next Annual Meeting.

Governing Council positions and duties

Candidates for the AMA-SMS Governing Council must be active AMA members. The Governing Council meets, face-to-face, three times per year (June/AMA Annual Meeting, November/AAMC Annual Meeting, and November/AMA Interim Meeting) and holds monthly conference calls. All Governing Council members are required to attend the AMA Annual and Interim Meetings (at least three days each). Additional time commitments may vary. For more information, contact AMA-SMS staff.

General Governing Council duties

• Direct AMA-SMS programs and activities and contribute to the development of the Section's annual strategic plan
• Appoint ad hoc committees
• Contribute to Governing Council and Section communications
• Engage in AMA membership recruitment and retention activities

Chair

Preside at all meetings/conference calls of the Governing Council and business meetings of the Section, and otherwise represent the SMS when appropriate.

Chair-elect

• Serve for one year, succeed to the office of chair for one year, and then become immediate past chair for one year.
• Preside at meetings/conference calls of the Governing Council and Business Meetings of the Section in the absence of the Chair or at the request of the Chair.
• Assist the Chair in the performance of his or her duties.

Immediate Past Chair

• Preside at meetings/conference calls of the Governing Council and business meetings of the Section in the absence of the Chair and Chair-elect.
• Preside at meetings/conference calls of the SMS Nominating Subcommittee.

Delegate and Alternate Delegate

• Elected in even numbered years and no member shall serve more than three two-year terms.
• Represent the SMS in the AMA House of Delegates as well as special HOD task force meetings.

Members-At-Large

• Elected annually and no member can serve for more than three one-year terms.
• Perform such functions as determined by the Governing Council, and assist the other officers in the performance of their duties.

SMS Liaison to the AMA Council on Medical Education

Represent the SMS at all AMA Council on Medical Education meetings.