This year, I had the privilege of attending the American Medical Association (AMA) Annual Session in June in Chicago, IL and the Mississippi State Medical Association (MSMA) Annual Session in August in Jackson, MS. I’m here to share with you my experiences with both events.
Since my first year of medical school, I wanted to be involved with advocacy and policy on both a state and national level. Let’s start on a state level. MSMA allows students the opportunity to serve as delegates allowing us to vote on resolutions and candidates to serve for the 2017-2018 year. This year, I served on a reference committee, networked with physicians from all over the state, sat in on a panel discussion with the state medical board of licensure, participated in the Speaker’s photograph challenge, and even attended the President’s Inaugural Gala as the new MSMA President was sworn in where I also met the immediate Past Chair of the AMA Board of Trustees. It was truly a session to remember. The most rewarding moment throughout the entire weekend was being elected to Board of Trustees. When I heard my name, I couldn’t believe my ears. It is truly an honor and a privilege, and I look forward to serving my state medical association this upcoming year.
Let’s move to a national level. More than 750 medical students from across the country attended this annual session. The Medical Student Section (MSS) strives to be the medical students’ leading voice for improving medical education and advocating for the future of medicine. During the annual session, students participated in various programming and networking events along with regional meetings where region business and MSS resolutions were discussed before the voting session. Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma happen to fall into Region III, and this year, I was most honored to be elected Membership Chair of Region III. Overall, I truly enjoyed this annual session as I’ve met so many talented individuals across the country that I will remain friends with for a lifetime all while advocating for positive changes.
“Goals are like magnets—they’ll attract the things that make them come true.” – Anthony Robbin
