For Medical Students

Spike in patients highlights impending doctor shortage

The physician shortage is entering the spotlight again as the health care system prepares for the 30 million patients who will gain access to health insurance in 2016 under the Affordable Care Act.

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has cautioned that the shortage is projected to reach more than 90,000 by 2020, a gap that will not be closed unless the number of residency training positions increases dramatically. Although medical schools have increased enrollment over the last six years, the number of federally funded residency positions has remained frozen since 1997.

In a recent news release, AAMC President and CEO Darrell G. Kirch, MD, urged Congress to "move quickly to provide more federal support for additional doctor training to ensure that Americans have access to care—not just an insurance card."

AMA policy recognizes the importance of graduate medical education to ensure patients receive the care they need and is working actively against reductions in funding for residency programs.

Apply by Aug. 1 for student spot on AMPAC board

Make a difference in the nation's capital by serving on the American Medical Association Political Action Committee (AMPAC) Board of Directors. The deadline to apply for the medical student member position is Aug. 1.

AMPAC supports the AMA's advocacy agenda by making campaign contributions to medicine-friendly candidates for Congress. AMPAC also focuses on educating and expanding the political participation of physicians and medical students. The board of directors evaluates, updates and guides these efforts to maximize the AMA's effectiveness in the nation's capital.

One seat of the board is reserved for a medical student, who serves a two-year term. Only students graduating in the spring of 2014 or later are eligible to apply.

Visit the AMA's Web page on student leadership opportunities to download an application and to learn more about this and other positions.

AMA membership opens doors to resources, savings

The AMA has expanded its Member Value Program to offer more resources and special discounts. Here are a few benefits available to medical students:

• Resources to help with choosing a medical specialty, including an AMA student guide, which provides overviews of 45 specialties and subspecialties.
• Savings on test preparation resources for the United States Medical Licensing Examination and the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination, including the entire Rapid Review series, Kaplan's Qbank and Kaplan's new on-demand online lecture course.
• Discounts on Hewlett-Packard small business and commercial products.
• Savings on auto, health and disability insurance products through AMA Insurance Agency.

Don't miss out on valuable resources for AMA members. Renew your membership or join the AMA today to begin receiving these benefits.