Physicians, residents and medical students are making inroads into improving public health and promoting excellence in medical education through the AMA Foundation. Here’s how this physician group is helping create a healthier country and paving the way for the next generation of physicians.
Helping the next generation of physicians
Today’s medical students and residents face greater financial pressures than ever before—and a large debt load may discourage future physicians from practicing in underserved areas. To help trainees afford medical school, the AMA Foundation has given more than $60 million to outstanding students with financial need. The Physicians of Tomorrow Program awarded scholarships to 21 outstanding medical students this year.
For minority medical students, the foundation has partnered with the AMA Minority Affairs Section to award scholarships to those who show a commitment to eliminating health care disparities and have strong leadership and community involvement. Since 2004, 123 recipients of the Minority Scholars Award have been able to continue their medical education.
Ensuring care for the underserved
The AMA Foundation has helped 313 nonprofit organizations develop school and community-based solutions to behavioral health challenges—such as medication safety, physical activity and obesity—through its Healthy Living Grant program. Established in 2002, the program has awarded nearly $1 million to improve the health of communities across the country.
In the clinical setting, the foundation has given more than $1.4 million to 74 free clinics, helping physicians at these clinics provide quality, affordable health care through with funding from the Healthy Communities/Healthy America grants. Most recently, eight free clinics received financial aid to implement diabetes prevention programs and improve health outcomes in their communities.
Beside injecting money into the free clinics, the foundation’s involvement helps garner extra support—more than one-half of recipients have been able to obtain grants and contributions from new funders as a direct result of receiving Healthy Communities/Healthy America grants.
Poised for continued success
Heading into the future, the AMA Foundation will continue to expand its public health programming and medical student reach. Leading the efforts is new executive director (log in) R. Barkley Payne, who joins the AMA Foundation this month.
Recognize physicians who are dedicated to meeting pressing health needs by nominating an inspirational physician for the Excellence in Medicine Awards by Jan. 20. Recipients will be named at the 2015 AMA Annual Meeting.
Visit the AMA Foundation Web page to donate or learn more about scholarship and grant opportunities.
