About Us
The AMA Senior Physicians Section provides a way for you to remain active and involved with your AMA and the medical community. The purpose of the group is to support projects of interest to the senior physician community, including continued communication with your colleagues, advocacy on behalf of senior physician issues, and ongoing development of member benefits and activities. Any AMA physician over 65 years of age is an automatic member of our group. Your participation in organized medicine throughout your career has helped to define the profession.
Advocacy
AMA-SPS advocates on behalf of senior physicians to ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed. At the 1997 Annual Meeting, the AMA House of Delegates adopted the Council on Medical Education's recommendation that the AMA develop a licensure relief model for retired physicians working in free clinics. The model developed recommends that states adopt legislation exempting retired physicians who practice only in free clinics from the licensing board registration fee, which is often prohibitive to the provision of charity care. This model recognizes the important care provided by retired doctors in free clinics, while also recognizing the need for volunteer physicians to meet other qualifications for practice such as the pursuit of continuing medical education credits.
State licensing laws governing volunteer physicians.
History
The American Medical Association Senior Physician Group (AMA-SPG) came into being on June 30, 1994 as a result of official action of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Senior Physicians agreeing to an amalgamation of all of its functions with the American Medical Association. The decision by the Board of AASP was made in order to provide expanded benefits and services to senior physicians and increased efforts on membership recruitment.
Prior members of AASP had their membership carried over to AMA-SPS but it was agreed that any new members must also be members of AMA.
Governance and Mission
The Senior Physicians Section Governing Council is a seven-member group appointed by the AMA Board of Trustees for a three year term renewable once. All AMA physicians 65 years of age or older are members of the Senior Physicians Section (SPS). The AMA-SPS today is the largest senior physician group in the United States.
The aim of the Governing Council is to inform, assist, and provide group educational opportunities to members of the AMA; to assist in crystallizing the needs and desires of senior physicians and advocate on their behalf; to act as a link between grassroots senior physician groups throughout the US to the policies and actions of the AMA; to bring to the notice of members items pertaining to the well-being of senior and retired physicians; to make suggestions for meeting those needs; to encourage older physicians around the country to join or rejoin the AMA, and to serve as a liaison between the AMA senior staff and Board of Trustees and senior physicians interested in retaining their attachment to organized medicine.
Programs and Projects
Senior Ambassador Program
The AMA Senior Physicians Section has developed the Senior Ambassador Program to bring together senior physician leaders and community-based organizations in strengthening the understanding of public health issues. The program is designed to identify resources for assisting senior physicians in volunteering in their own communities. Senior physicians will help older adults increase their awareness of public health, prevention, and wellness issues while attending community presentations. Many older patients are confused and challenged by interpreting medical directions and caring for themselves. This program offers a novel approach, in using senior ambassadors who can help better answer questions, clear up misunderstandings, and encourage seniors and their families to be managers and advocates of their own care.
50-Year Recognition Program of American Medicine
The 50-year Recognition Program of American Medicine is open to all AMA physicians who have graduated from medical school more than 50 years ago. Special benefits offered to members include an annual anniversary trip offered through AHI Travel to an international destination.
Travel
The AMA-SPS has selected a travel company for its members to travel at home or abroad.
Together, we are stronger! For further information, contact the Senior Physicians Section, 515 North State Street, Chicago, IL 60654; phone (312) 464-5523, fax (312) 464-5845, E-mail.
SPS Governance
A roster of the Governing Committee of the AMA Senior Physicians Section
