2000
Through media outreach and member physician grassroots efforts, the AMA determinedly forged ahead with its advocacy for comprehensive Patients Bill of Rights legislation in Congress

The AMA, along with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, co-hosted the 11^th annual World Conference on Tobacco or Health. Delegates from more than 120 countries dedicated themselves to furthering the work of tobacco use prevention and control

The AMA Foundation announced the first stage of its health literacy campaign, "Partnership in Health Improving the Patient-Physician Relationship through Health Literacy"

The AMA' s National House Call advocacy campaign traveled from state to state to highlight important issues in health care during the 2000 presidential campaign

"Reducing Underage Drinking Through Coalitions (RUDC)," an AMA-managed project, brought together young people in an effort to teach advocacy skills to decrease underage drinking in communities

2001
Immediately following the September 11^th terrorist attacks on the United States, the AMA quickly responded to the needs of the nation, providing the government with a list of 3,500 volunteer physicians who were ready and willing to assist in recovery efforts. The AMA proceeded to take unprecedented steps to educate America's patients and physicians through the Disaster Preparedness and Medical Response Web site

The House of Delegates, the Association's democratic cornerstone, marked the one hundredth anniversary of its founding in 1901. Through the years, this assembly has consistently created the policy that has enabled the AMA to adhere to its mission of "promoting the art and science of medicine, and the betterment of public health

AMA advocacy efforts resulted in a major victory for medical student and residents in the passage into law of the Restored Earnings to Lift Individuals and Empower Families Act of 2001. The new law will help ease the crippling financial burden on students and residents who finance their own education through student loans

The AMA continued its grassroots efforts to advocate for solid Patient's Bill of Rights legislation in Congress, utilizing such programs as the AMA's National House Call to educate physicians, policymakers and the public

Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs drafted the Declaration of Professional Responsibility: Medicine's Social Contract with Humanity. The declaration adopted by the House of Delegates at the 2001 Interim Meeting, serves as a reaffirmation of professional standards by the world community of physicians

2002
The AMA, along with 11 other organizations which comprise the “Covering the Uninsured” initiative, launched a national awareness campaign aimed at publicizing the extent of the uninsured population in the United States

The Medical Student Section of the AMA officially kicked off its National Service Project entitled, “No Butts About It…Tobacco Stinks,” which will focus on tobacco education and prevention in children

The AMA House of Delegates adopted a resolution submitted by the Council on Medical Education that set a limit on residency hours at 80 resident work hours per week in addition to setting restrictions on hours consecutively on call

The AMA played a key role in the Moran v. Rush Prudential HMO case, filing a friend-of-the-court brief in support of Debra Moran. The landmark decision by the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the rights of HMO patients to an independent review when health plans overrule the treatment recommended by the patient’s physician

The AMA launched the AMA HIPAALink, an online educational tool designed to aid physicians in successful HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliance. Provisions in the HIPAA legislation are meant to ensure confidentiality and all health care providers who transmit patient information electronically are required to comply

2003
After two years of intensive lobbying efforts by the AMA and specialty and state societies, Congress averts a 4.4 percent cut in Medicare physician payments

Leaders from more than 30 public health, state and specialty medical societies and organizations convene at the AMA Headquarters in Chicago for the Federation Task Force on Disparities in Healthcare

In March, the AMA holds the first annual National Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. Formerly known as the National Leadership Conference, the event drew physicians, educators and students, as well as medical, state, and specialty society leaders interested in discussing the state of health care in America.

On December 8^th, President George Bush signs the historic Medicare Prescription Drug Bill, and took a moment out of his speech to thank the AMA for its efforts in support of the bill.

2004
More than 180 physicians, medical students, public health workers, nutritionists and other health care professionals gather in Chicago for the first AMA National Summit on Obesity in Chicago. The participants identify ways that health care professionals can tackle the obesity epidemic in schools, communities, work sites and medical practices

The AMA launches AMA Member Connect, an ongoing initiative that gives members the unprecedented opportunity to provide input into the AMA’s agenda and initiatives

2005
AMA spearheads effort with 129 other health care and patient groups which results in the passage and signing of the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act

The AMA, along with the National Medical Association and National Hispanic Medical Association, announce the creation of the Commission to End Health Care Disparities. The Commission is comprised of leaders from the nation’s largest physician organizations and more than 30 health-related groups, and whose mission is to educate physicians and health professionals about health care disparities

In response to the catastrophic tsunami that hit Southeast Asia, the AMA Medical Student Section develops the Tsunami Relief Project, to assist members who want to donate money, medical supplies, or volunteer their services

To facilitate quality care of those affected by Hurricane Katrina, the AMA participates in the KatrinaHealth.org prescription medication network by offering its Physician Masterfile to verify physicians’ identity and credentials

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