The Underrepresented in Medicine Advocacy Section (UMAS) leadership and membership convened on Friday, June 5 for our annual business meeting. The section heard updates from representatives from NMA, NHMA, AAIP, MSS and RFS, in addition to updates from across the AMA enterprise, including our AMA Board of Trustees liaisons to UMAS, the Center for Optimal Health Outcomes (COHO), the AMA Foundation, AMPAC and the Advocacy Center.
UMAS business
Additionally, during our UMAS business meeting, the membership in attendance unanimously adopted an amendment (PDF) to the UMAS Internal Operating Procedures (IOPs) to decouple the chair and alternate delegate officer positions on the UMAS Governing Council. The adopted changes are expected to take effect in 2027.
UMAS resolutions
The UMAS prime sponsored three resolutions:
- Res. 012: Taking Action on Deaths in Custody
- Res. 437: Addressing Housing Needs of the Native Hawaiian and Their Diaspora
- Res. 438: Preserving and Strengthening Maternal Mortality Review Committees
UMAS education sessions
The UMAS and MSS facilitated a timely and informative CME-accredited education session titled "Barriers of Today: Medical Education Debt and the Future of a Diverse Physician Workforce."
UMAS elections
The election results for the UMAS Governing Council's annual election of officers, which includes chair (and alternate delegate) and vice chair, are as follows:
- Chair/alternate delegate: LeeAnna Muzquiz, MD
- Vice chair: Joshua Carrasco, MD, MPH
Thank you, Dr. Fowler, for your leadership as chair. Congratulations, Drs. Muzquiz and Carrasco!
Additional news
The Health Equity Caucus, jointly facilitated by UMAS, WPS, LGBTQ+ Section and IMGS, hosted another successful convening on Sunday, June 7. 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 A-26. 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 from the inaugural AI/AN Advisory Committee.
For additional information on the 2026 UMAS Annual Meeting, visit the section's agenda and resources page.
