News for Young Physicians

Residency funding targeted for cuts; contact Congress

Tell your members of Congress today that the Jan. 1 cut to graduate medical education (GME) funding must be averted.

Without congressional action, the 2 percent sequester cuts to Medicare will adversely affect GME funding. This funding reduction would compromise access to care for patients and further limit the number of residency positions for an ever-growing number of medical students.

According to estimates, the United States will experience a shortage of more than 90,000 physicians by 2020.  That number is expected to surpass 130,000 by 2025.

It only takes a moment to urge your elected officials to preserve current levels of GME funding.  Send an email through the AMA Physicians Grassroots Network today.

To learn more about the AMA's work with Congress this legislative session, including efforts to protect GME funding, read a recent blog post by AMA President Jeremy A. Lazarus, MD.

AMPAC education programs help you influence politics

AMA members can make the leap from exam room to campaign trail by participating in one of two hands-on political education programs offered by the AMA Political Action Committee (AMPAC).

Members and their spouses interested in running for office can learn practical campaign skills from political veterans by attending the AMPAC Candidate Workshop, offered Feb. 15–17. The program includes training on campaign strategy and media advertising, as well as hands-on sessions in public speaking and fundraising. Past graduates have been elected to offices across the country, from city commissioner to state board of education to the U.S. House of Representatives. Applications and essays for the Candidate Workshop are due Friday.

Members who wish to become involved in the political process as advocates and volunteers for medicine-friendly candidates can attend the AMPAC Campaign School, held April 17–21. This program is organized around a simulated congressional campaign, where participants are put on campaign "staff" teams and attend daily lectures on campaign strategy, media advertising and political fundraising. Applications and essays for the Campaign School are due Jan. 18.

Both programs take place in Arlington, Va. All expenses, excluding travel, will be covered for accepted applicants. Apply today.

If you're not an AMA member, join today and take advantage of opportunities such as these.

Submit a nomination for the AMA-YPS Young at Heart Award

The AMA Young Physicians Section (YPS) is accepting nominations for the 2013 AMA-YPS Young at Heart Award, to be presented in June during the Annual Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates. 

To qualify for the award, a nominee must be an AMA member who is not eligible for section membership but whose support and guidance have strengthened the AMA-YPS. 

Submit a nomination form today. Nominations are due by Dec. 31 and must come from an AMA-YPS Assembly member. Get more information via email.