The Underrepresented in Medicine Advocacy Section (UMAS) leadership and membership convened on Friday, Nov. 14 for its bi-annual business meeting. The section heard updates from representatives from NMA, NHMA, AAIP, and MSS, in addition to updates from across the AMA enterprise including the Center for Optimal Health Outcomes (COHO), the AMA Foundation, AMPAC, the Advocacy Center, and updates from UMAS' AMA BOT liaisons—which includes President Bobby Mukkamala, Dr. Toluwalase Ajayi, and Dr. David Welsh.
Opportunities shared during UMAS business meeting
AMA:
- Community Health Impact Lab (CHIL) Micro Grants Program: The application period opened on Nov. 13, 2025 and closes on March 1, 2026. A webinar to learn more about the micro grant program is scheduled for Dec. 16, 2025 at 11 a.m. Central. If you are interested in joining the webinar, register now. To access the application and apply, visit the grants page.
NMA:
- Prospect Medical Student Summer Research Fellowship Program: Deadline to apply is Jan. 19, 2026. Learn more .
- Climate Health Equity Fellowship: Deadline to apply is Dec. 15, 2025.
Noteworthy section resolutions
The UMAS prime sponsored two resolutions and cosponsored two resolutions:
Prime sponsored resolutions:
- Res. 228—Support Permanent Funding and Expansion of Native Hawaiian Healthcare
- Res. 229—Protection of Medicaid Beneficiaries’ Private Health Information from Immigration Enforcement
Cosponsored resolutions:
- Res. 922 (MSS)—Federal Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School
- Res. 310 (RFS)—Remedying the Harms of AMA’s Role in the Flexner Report
Another notable action taken by the HOD as a result of policy efforts by UMAS and MSS during I-24 is the adoption with amendment of BOT Report 11, relative to Supporting Diversity in Research.
Education sessions
The UMAS facilitated two timely and informative CME-accredited educational programs during I-25 in collaboration with other sections:
- UMAS/LGBTQ+ Section/WPS: Responding to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy Reversals—Impacts on Health Equity, Education, Research, Workforce, and Patient Care
- UMAS/OMSS: Combating Misinformation and Safeguarding Vaccine Infrastructure
Additional news
The Health Equity Caucus, jointly facilitated by UMAS, WPS, LGBTQ+ Section, and IMGS, hosted another successful convening during I-25. These convenings create space for AMA members across the organization to find community, information-share, and organize around aligned policy priorities. The UMAS also hosted an Underrepresented in Medicine Reception and Speed Mentoring event during I-25. Both events served as great opportunities to connect, network, mentor and support our current and future physician colleagues!
The UMAS and MSS also convened the American Indian Alaska Native (AI/AN) Work Group where members were able to confer over AI/AN-related policy before our HOD and hear updates on informational BOT Report 17, relative to Establishing an Advisory Committee on AI/AN Affairs.
