News for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Physicians

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.

Global Forum launches HIV prevention and treatment strategies compendium

The Global Forum on MSM & HIV recently launched a compendium of technical bulletins on HIV prevention and treatment strategies that target men who have sex with men (MSM).

Available in Chinese, English, French, Spanish and Russian, the compendium includes 12 technical bulletins that provide in-depth explanations of the latest intervention strategies in the field of HIV prevention and treatment, as well as detailed information about diagnostic technology and HIV co-infection with tuberculosis and viral hepatitis.

The series covers key interventions and frameworks that have been central to the current global dialogues on HIV prevention, treatment and care. Topics were identified and prioritized based on results of the forum's 2010 Global Men's Health and Rights study, which surveyed more than 5,000 MSM worldwide regarding access to and knowledge of the current spectrum of HIV prevention strategies.

The AMA also offers resources to help clinicians understand important health issues for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender patients.