AMA Wire

Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013

News for Senior and Retired Physicians

Share your voice and experiences on AMA-SPS Facebook page

Comment on important issues affecting senior physicians across the country by viewing the AMA Senior Physicians Section (SPS) Facebook page. Here are two of the discussion topics you'll find there:

  • Retirement on the Horizon? – Thoughtful planning is the key to a happy and successful transition to retirement. Let us know what you have in store, whether it's part-time work, mentoring, or a unique combination volunteer and leisure activities. Feel free to post questions if you are seeking special information.
  • Grassroots Political Activity – Have you or your senior group partnered with another organization to advocate on behalf of an issue? Let us know how you've made a difference in your community.

All senior physicians are invited to participate in the discussions. Email Alice Reed of the AMA with suggestions for other discussion topics.

Retired anesthesiologist wins Jack B. McConnell, MD, volunteerism award

Retired anesthesiologist wins Jack B. McConnell, MD, volunteerism award

Matthew Mandel, MD, a retired anesthesiologist from Stockbridge, Mass., who helped establish a free health care clinic for uninsured and low-income residents, is the recipient of this year's Jack B. McConnell, MD, Award for Excellence in Volunteerism.

Dr. Mandel is vice chair and a founding member of Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires, an organization that has served nearly 2,000 patients and logged more than 15,000 office visits since its founding in 2004. He has recruited 55 volunteer physicians and other clinical providers—both active and retired—to provide services at the clinic.

Dr. Mandel's ongoing recruiting of off-site specialists has resulted in a network of 18 specialists who oversee Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires patients on a referral basis and at no charge. More than 400 patients have received free specialist referrals.

The McConnell award is one of the AMA Foundation's annual Excellence in Medicine Awards, which are presented in association with Pfizer Inc. Dr. Mandel will be presented with the award Feb. 11 during Excellence in Medicine Awards dinner in Washington, D.C., which will take place as part of the AMA National Advocacy Conference.

Seats at the Excellence in Medicine Awards dinner are $125. Be sure to make your reservations by Feb. 1.