News for Young Physicians

Principles established to help physician employees

A new set of principles from the AMA aims to help physicians, those who employ physicians and their respective advisers identify and address some of the unique challenges employment presents to professionalism and the practice of medicine.

The AMA House of Delegates adopted the principles in November during its Interim Meeting.

"The principles are especially important to younger physicians, who are opting for employment in greater numbers," said Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD, in a story by American Medical News as part of its Interim Meeting coverage.

"Young physicians like me are more likely to be employed by hospitals or large, integrated health practices compared to older physicians, and therefore the principles ... are of great importance to our demographic," said Dr. Ehrenfeld, a member of the AMA Young Physicians Section Governing Council and alternate delegate for the American Society of Anesthesiologists. "As more young physicians become salaried employees, they will benefit from this important guidance."

The AMA also offers a variety of resources to meet the needs of employed physicians, a growing segment of the profession.

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.

Apply for leadership slots on AMA councils, committees

The AMA is looking to fill open positions on various councils and committees for 2013. Nominations are due by March 15. Visit the AMA's Council and Committee Nominations Web page to view available positions as well as instructions on the nominations process.

The AMA is committed to promoting diversity in every facet of organized medicine and encourages the nomination of qualified women physicians, minority physicians and international medical graduates for AMA positions on councils.