EVENT

MAC 2022 logo-rev1

Advocacy conference for medical students

The AMA Medical Student Advocacy Conference (MAC) is a yearly event for medical students to:

  • Learn how to be a successful public health advocate.
  • Advocate for change on health policy issues that impact medicine.
  • Participate in meetings with legislators and staffers on Capitol Hill.

Exclusive opportunity for AMA medical student members.

The 2022 conference was held virtually March 3-4, 2022. The 2023 conference dates will be posted when available.

Contact us with any questions at [email protected].

Conference training and resources

Access resources from the 2022 AMA Medical Student Advocacy Conference to learn how to serve as a public health advocate. Resources include training videos led by experts and an action kit with tips and best practices.

Get the latest advocacy news

Stay up-to-date on how the AMA is fighting for physicians in the courts and legislature with your personalized news feed on the AMA Connect app.

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Agenda

MAC agenda is in Eastern time and subject to change.

Thursday, March 3

10:00 am - 11:00 am
Welcome and congressional addresses

Brittany Ikwuagwu, AMA Government Relations Advocacy Fellow, Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Rep. Kim Schrier, MD (D-Wash.), Sen. John Barrasso, MD (R-Wyo.)

11:00 am - 11:15 am
Social media for advocates

Learn how to showcase your advocacy efforts on social media: Joel Bervell, AMA Medical Student Digital Fellow

11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Training session: Receive education on the health policy issues

Learn about the health policy issues you will advocate for on Capitol Hill and why they matter to patients and medical students.

12:15 pm - 12:30 pm
Address from AMA President Gerald E. Harmon, MD

Gerald E. Harmon, MD, a family medicine specialist and President of the AMA, recognizes medical student involvement in organized medicine to advocate for the future of medicine.

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
Wellness break with Gympass

Enjoy light stretching led by health experts, learn wellness tips and ways to incorporate them in your daily routine, and learn about new wellness benefits available to you.

1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Education session: An inside look into the life of congressional staffers

Get insider knowledge on the lobbying process and how to be a successful and effective public health advocate.

1:30 pm - 2:45 pm
Training session: Learn effective lobbying techniques and observe a mock Capitol Hill meeting

Receive tips and best practices for meetings with legislators and staffers on Capitol Hill. Observe a mock meeting with experts for real-time experience.
2:45 pm - 3:15 pm
Panel discussion—Redefining Social Determinants of Health: An Update from the Center for Health Equity

This presentation will focus on how we should redefine the social determinants of health (SDOH) in organized medicine. Further, the speakers will address how we implement best practices related to SDOH in our clinical and professional lives.
3:15 pm - 3:45 pm
Panel discussion: How to stand out as a leader

Join the AMA Student Team and a panel of experts to discuss how leadership opportunities and following your passion help shape the residency experience. Hear their own experiences, tips and tricks, and how getting involved set them up for success.
3:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Education session—Prior Authorization Advocacy 101: AMA’s Fight for Patients and Physicians

Get a deeper understanding of prior authorization, and the burdens it places on both physicians and patients. Learn more about how the AMA is pressing on all fronts to fix prior authorization.

4:15 pm - 7:00 pm
Interactive session: Prepare for your virtual Capitol Hill meetings

Network with peers and prepare for meetings with legislators on March 4. Registered attendees will receive a meeting schedule at the end of February.

Friday, March 4

9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Virtual Capitol Hill meetings

Advocate for the future of medicine by meeting with your legislators and their staffers to discuss the health policy issues and request the action needed for each issue. Registered attendees will receive a meeting schedule at the end of February.
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