A note from the YPS chair
February 2025
From YPS Chair Sam Mathis, MD, MBA
February is my favorite month. This month marks both my birthday and Valentine’s Day. After returning home from a recent work trip, I found a folded piece of paper under my pillow. On it, my daughter had made me an early Valentine’s Day card where I was officially named “Best Daddy in the whole world.” This was such a poignant reminder for me of why I am involved in advocacy. I want this country and this world to be a better place where my child can thrive and live a full and healthy life. I hope you take some time this month to connect with those friends and family members who you care for.
YPS strategic plan focus: engage in organized medicine and increase visibility
In previous editions I introduced the first two areas of emphasis of our strategic plan: represent young physicians in policy and advocacy and promote leadership development of young physicians.
This month, I want to highlight the third and fourth strategic goals for our section. Strategic goal number three is to facilitate the engagement of young physicians in organized medicine. In that same vein, strategic goal number four is to increase the visibility of young physicians. As a section, we want to work together to help our members meet their personal and professional goals within their workplaces and in organized medicine on the state, specialty and national levels.
To this end, the YPS currently has a committee that is reviewing and creating bylaws changes that would create more leadership opportunities for our members to get involved. Remember, participation in the YPS handbook review committees, credentialing committees, standing committees or AMA reference committees are all considered national-level responsibilities and look great on a resume or CV.
In that same spirit, the YPS is also working to identify ways that we can engage and promote each other’s expertise. Through AMA connections, I was invited to give grand round lectures and presentations that showcase my medical expertise and promote the AMA and our section. As a section, we want to help you do the same. One of the best ways for us to do that is to learn about how you are leading locally and nationally. Please remember to respond to email requests asking about your achievements over the year so we can celebrate our successes together!
YPS leadership opportunities
Over the next few months, we will be highlighting opportunities for our members to step into leadership roles both within the AMA and outside of it. Visit the YPS leadership opportunities page to learn more about current and future opportunities. Please reach out to your governing council or AMA section staff with any questions about these roles. We want to help advance our members and get you to a place where you can advocate for our patients and profession. Additionally, if you want to talk about leadership options, any of your governing council members would be happy to help provide a listening ear and recommendations to help you put your best foot forward.
YPS advocacy
Finally, this past month has been a whirlwind of activities on the federal level. With all the executive orders, senate confirmation hearings and the constant influx of news, our work can feel overwhelming. Remember that our families, patients and colleagues rely on us to be vocal and active on these issues. We need to continue to speak out about issues we support and disagree with.
While the association has a powerful voice, your individual voice carries significant weight with your legislators. Don’t forget the power you have as an individual. Keep speaking out about the issues you are passionate about. Thank you for being involved and caring for your patients and colleagues. You are making a difference (even when it doesn’t feel that way).
Contact us
As always, email us at [email protected] with any comments and questions.
