While SNMA was started at a HBCU institution, it has a very large and active Latino/Vietnamese membership. The crux of SNMA/NMA is getting medicine to underserved populations of any color and people of many ethnicities see this as something that is important. I don't see that participating in SNMA/NMA takes anything away from or limits anyone who is interested in their mission regardless of color.
There is nothing wrong with belonging to AMSA or any other organization but one does not "limit" oneself if by participating in an organization where you have an interest in their core mission. If you don't want to participate, then don't participate but let it be because you are not interested in their mission or actions not because you believe that because a majority of the members are African-American that you are limiting yourself as an African-American. You have to make choices that you feel are right for you but don't perpetuate the negative label that SNMA is largely "social" and that there is something negative about meeting and interacting with fellow minority medical students. Many of those contacts made at SNMA have been quite nice for me as I am moving into practice after training. It's been quite nice to go into a hospital/practice for interview and have someone say that they remember me from an SNMA/NMA convention/conference.
Don't support any organization just because of the ethnicities of their membership. Look beyond that and at what is best for you and your future practice/interestes. Your time is valuable and you need to pick what best professionally for you. Just get good information and as much information as you can to make these decisions.
Njbmd, I think you're totally misunderstanding me, I did not say there is something negative about meeting and interacting with fellow minority medical students, I actually said this was great, for the same reasons you listed above. Again, don't take my words out of context, by saying don't limit yourself, I meant take full advantage of everything resources that's out there, exposing yourself to other organizations as they could
ALSO be helpful, not that participating in SNMA alone limits you.
Critizing the conference schedule does not mean I don't want to participate or not interested in SNMA's mission or actions so please don't spare me all that-- I think SNMA's mission to improve healthcare access to underserved communities is absolutely necessary. But just because AMSA is a majority organization does not mean they don't fight for causes that are in the interests of underserved & minority populations also (look before you judge). In fact, I think they do a great job creating awareness of health disparities among the general medical student population. No one said only blacks/minorities can help improve health care in underserved populations.
My criticism was more about the lecture sessions... I look at AMSA's program and see many sessions that would enrich my knowledge & understanding of a variety of issues in addition to the opportunity to socialize & network. I look at SNMA's conference and see mostly ample opportunity to network with fellow minority students (NOT THAT THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS) and not very much else.
I just thought it would be nice to see more sessions engaging those same minority students in discussions about our health care system, having speakers talk about the practical aspects & challenges involved in reform and eliminating health disparities because many of us may not know a lot about these things when you really think of it. Let me give you some examples:
AMSA Convention Program 2008
10:30 am-11:20 am
Health Care 101: A Breakdown of Health Care Reform
Premeds come to learn more about what theyre getting into! This workshop is designed by students for students to provide an interactive experience aimed at examining various aspects of the US health care system, identifying current problems and breaking down solutions through health care reform. The session will begin with an overview of the system as it currently stands. Students will then break up into groups representing the government, health care provider and patients of the health care system. At the end of the mock session, the groups will come together and discuss what each encountered at their level in the current system, identify problems and offer solutions through health care reform.
2:00 pm-2:50 pm
The Medical Revolution Will Not Be Funded--Expanding Health Policy Struggles to Include Our Patients and Those Without Access to Care
Shana Twain, INCITE Women of Color Against Violence
This one-hour session of didactic and breakouts will address the complex challenges faced by patient-provider teams, especially in communities of color struggling to change their health care system. What is the role of the patient in transforming the medical system? What challenges are faced by patients engaging in advocacy, especially those from disadvantaged communities and without insurance? What steps can doctors take to become aware of and help mitigate these challenges? How can communities help produce better physician lobbyists? What are the weaknesses of the physician as an advocate model of health care policy? How can student physicians and their patients work together to transform the medical system? These are just a few of the questions we will address in this exciting and multifaceted plenary.
Sponsored by the AMSA Legislative Affairs Director
12:30 pm-1:20 pm
Undoing Racism in Community Health Care and Beyond: Fighting Health Disparities from the Grassroots
Barbara Major , Co-Chair, Mayor's Bring New Orleans Back Committee, New Orleans
Andru Ziwasimon, MD, Topahkal Family Medical Office, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Our seasoned, inspiring panelists will present a discussion of the challenges and successes in incorporating a perspective of undoing racism in their community-based health care work. Using a framework that addresses the role of institutional power in fighting race-based disparities, we will discuss strategies to fight health disparities within the clinical setting, in the communities where we work and nationally. Don't miss out on this chance to gain both knowledge and concrete tools in our fight against health disparities.
Sponsored by the Action Committees on Minority Health and Community and Public Health
3:00 pm-3:50 pm
Medical Victories From The Campaign Trail Mary Carol Jennings, Medical Student at the University of South Carolina SOM
Alicia Snider, Medical Student at the University of South Carolina SOM
[/B] What will the American health care system look like in the next decade as we graduate and enter the workplace? How will Congress and our next president affect choices and opportunities faced by medical students and their patients? How can tomorrows doctors shape the health policies of tomorrows leaders? [/B]What changes in national health policy have AMSA members won over the last year by engaging our political leaders? How can national elections be used to influence local elections and build coalitions between students and our allies? What victories remain to be won in the coming year? Join students and their allies for a discussion and skills-based plenary on shaping national health policy through the window of 2008 political races.
Sponsored by the Interest Group on Direct Action, AMSA Legislative Affairs Director and AMSA Global HIV/AIDS Fellow
5:00 pm-5:50 pm
15th Annual Public Hospital Seminar
John Jay Shannon, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, TX A medical career in the "safety net can be challenging but also exciting and gratifying. The evolution of public hospitals from almshouses to the premier training sites for high-achieving physicians has occurred in less than 150 years. The struggle for survival of these institutions is now greater than ever, but the opportunities for physicians to flourish and have a rich, rewarding career taking care of the underserved are many. Dr. Jay Shannon will reflect on the role of these institutions, and how his experiences and insights over more than 20 years in public hospitals have changed as he developed from a wide-eyed M3 to a medical executive. Shannon recently left Cook Country Hospital in Chicago to head Parkland, the nations largest public hospital in Dallas, Texas.
Sponsored by the AMSA National President
3:00 pm-3:50 pm
Medical Mistrust and Implications for Breast Health for Medically Underserved Women
Karen Patricia Williams, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University
History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again, Maya Angelou. From the Tuskegee Syphilis Study to the eugenics-driven systematic sterilization of Puerto Rican women, the medical community has a shameful history of doing harm through research and clinical care to minority patients and populations. Given this past, how can we expect minority patients not to wonder if they can trust their own doctors? In this session, we look into our past as a profession to examine these violations of the sacred trust in the doctor-patient relationship. By facing our history with courage, perhaps we, as medical professionals, can find a way to address the issue of physician mistrust and better serve our minority patients through realistic, respectful relationships.
Sponsored by the Action Committee on Minority Health
4:00 pm-4:50 pm
What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk as a Physician? How Can I Best Avoid Malpractice Claims And Be A Better Doctor?
Gail Harris, RN, MS, CPHRM, Senior Clinical Risk Management Consultant, Medical Protective
AMSAs partner in education, Medical Protective is proud to present Gail Harris, a nationally recognized expert in corporate risk management, infection control, adult education and creating effective risk management programs and solutions. Harris has worked with everyone from individual doctors to large hospital systems to improve the quality of care and increase patient safety and satisfaction. Harris will discuss the very latest on informed consent, patient safety and the types of rigor that are necessary to protect yourself from unwanted lawsuits and improve the care you give-and shell put it all into a students perspective. She will also review the most important factors in medical liability insurance. All attendees will receive Navigating the Real World of Medical Professional Liability Insurance. You will also receive, practical, hands-on tips to help you reduce your risk and improve your quality of care. Now thats a real win for you and your patients.
Sponsored by the AMSA National President
10:30 am-11:20 am
Vioxx: Big Pharma, Bad Medicine
Gurkirpal Singh, MD, Adjunct Clinical Professor of Medicine
Dr. Gurkirpal Singh was a consultant for Vioxx, which Merck was promoting for its lack of gastrointestinal complications and good results for patients in pain. However, early on, Singh realized there were unanswered questions. The more questions he asked, the more questions were raised. Merck ended his speaking engagements, they called his university and threatened to withdraw their "contributions" unless he was silenced. In the end, the data Singh finally received confirmed his fears: Vioxx was a killer, and it was too late. See the hilarious, shocking lecture from the man himself.
Sponsored by the Action Committee on Health Policy
3:00 pm-3:50 pm
National Health Service Corps
TBD,
Are you interested in giving back to your community? Are you committed to improving primary health care in communities of greater needs? Come hear about the NHSC and opportunities to serve in underserved communities throughout the nation.
Sponsored by the National Health Service Corps and the AMSA Foundation
8:00 am-8:50 am
First Aid for the Wards: The Short Version Tao Le, MD, MHS, Editor-in-Chief and Founder of MedIQ Learning, LLC
Being an outstanding medical student on the wards (and getting outstanding clerkship evaluations) requires new skills and habits when transitioning from the classroom. Learn how to effectively work with a medical team, study and learn on the run, avoid the mistakes other students make and get a gratifying clerkship experience that will enhance your career choice.
Sponsored by the AMSA National President
1:00 pm-1:50 pm
Female Circumcision and Genital Cutting: Caring for African Immigrant Women from a Practical and Sensitive Approach Nawal Nour, MD, MPH, Director, African Women's Health Center
More than 130 million women worldwide have undergone Female Genital Circumcision (FGC) and more than 228,000 females in the US have either undergone or are at risk for this procedure. In March 1997, FGC became a federal crime in the United States. Escaping from famine, war and political instability, immigrants are entering the United States in higher numbers than ever before. At least 80 percent of African women refugees come from nations where the tradition of FGC is practiced. Please join Dr. Nawal Nour as she shares how she best cares for her patients and advocates for change while providing us with insight on the health and cultural issues surrounding FGC.
Sponsored by the Action Committees on Global Health, Women's Health and Minority Health
11:30 am-12:20 pm
Palliative Care in the African AIDS Epidemic Carla S. Alexander, MD, Director of Palliative Care, Institute of Human Virology;Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine
The fight against the African AIDS epidemic continues, and until sufficient money is available for medicine, AIDS patients in Africa will continue to suffer and die in great numbers. Doctors like Carla Alexander are working to make sure that the last days of these patients are as comfortable as possible. In this session, Alexander will describe her work in palliative care abroad, including the cultural nuances she navigates at the end of life. You will hear about an alternative, but no less inspiring, approach to this epidemic.
Sponsored by the AMSA Foundationand the Interest Group on Death and Dying
8:00 am-8:50 am
Four Stages of Sacrifice: Thailand Sex Workers, HIV and Abuse
Zafar Mithavayani, Author; The Four Stages Of Sacrifice: Brothel and Bar Commerical Sex Workers, HIV, and Abuse The sex trade has been a presence in Thailand for years, and yet talk about the women who work in brothels remains minimal. Zafar Mithavayani wrote a book describing the sacrifices these women make to provide a better life for their families. Each area of their life is a battle for better health, financial security and spirituality. Come and listen to Mithavayani speak about this global health issue as it relates to sex workers in Thailand.
Sponsored by the Action Committees on Global Health and Women's Health
2:00 pm-2:50 pm
Immigration, Health and Health Care: Exploring New Frontiers in Health Justice Emily Timm, Organizer
Tanya Broder, Public Benefits Policy Director, Public Benefits
Jennifer Ngandu, Senior Health Policy Analyst, The National Council of La Raza
The birth of AMSA and its separation from the AMA is tied to the AMAs silence on the Vietnam War, its opposition to Medicare and its silence on the Civil Rights Movement. Now we are in the midst of a new civil rights movement for immigrants. What are the health implications of this new civil rights movement? What are the health care dimensions of this movement's demands? What is our role as physicians-in-training committed to expanding access to quality, affordable care to all and to eliminate disparities in health? Come listen to an amazing panel, and give your opinions on how to move forward.
Sponsored by the AMSA Jack Rutledge Fellow
1:30 pm-2:20 pm
Increasing Access to Essential Medicines: The Campaign of Doctors Without Borders Rachel Kiddell-Monroe, President and Chair of the Board, Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM)
Many people believe that modern medicine is continuing to significantly improve global health. Polio has been nearly eradicated, smallpox eliminated, and it will only be a matter of time before cures for all other diseases are found. However, this confidence is misplaced and based more on history than reality. Today, one-third of the worlds population lacks access to essential medicines; in the poorest parts of Africa and Asia, this figure rises to one-half. Too often in the countries where Doctors Without Borders works, patients cannot be treated because medicines are too expensive or they are no longer produced. Sometimes, the only drugs available are highlytoxic or ineffective, and nobody is looking for a better cure. As a medical humanitarian organization, it is fundamentally unacceptable to Doctors Without Borders that access to essential medicines is increasingly impossible, particularly for the most common global infectious diseases. Since 1999, Doctors Without Borders has been campaigning internationally to find long-term, sustainable solutions to this crisis. The campaign is pushing to lower the prices of existing medicines, to bring abandoned drugs back into production, to stimulate research and development for diseases that primarily affect the poor and to overcome other barriers to access.
Sponsored by the Action Committee on Global Health
4:00 pm-6:00 pm
AMSA RALLY!! Everyone Has a Right to Good, Safe and Accessible Care
Imbedded in AMSAs DNA is the demand for quality and affordable health care for all. This is why we were born, and this is why we spent the last 40 years fighting. We learn that this fight is not easy and has many fronts. Historically, certain sections of our population have been deemed undeserving of health care. Mainstream society has rationalized excluding African Americans, immigrants, Native Americans, refugees, gay Americans, residents of post-Katrina Louisiana and many others from good care. These rationalizations include allegations of laziness, illegality, immorality and other lies. As future doctors, we say ENOUGH! A person is a person; a child is a child; and there are no good moral, ethical, rational or medical reasons to ever exclude human beings from getting the health care they deserve. We say health care is a human right for all people, regardless of our race, gender, sexual orientation or country of origin. We will March to Houstons City Hall and join partner organizations for a Rally demanding quality, affordable health care for ALL.
Sponsored by the Jack Rutledge Fellow
4:00 pm-4:50 pm
PharmFree from a Physician and Ex-Drug Rep's Perspectives Howard Brody, MD, Professor and Director for the Institute for the Medical Humanities, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Shahram Ahari, Researcher, University of California, San Francisco, School of Pharmacy
Shahram Ahari, an ex-drug representative, and Dr. Howard Brody, a leader in pushing physicians to reconsider their ways, will be discussing the PharmFree campaign and how individuals can get more involved. Ahari and Brody, two of the nations leaders conflict of interest, will also speak from their unique perspectives concerning the major disagreements that arise when physicians take gifts and education from drug companies.
Sponsored by the Action Committee on Medical Education
8:00 am-9:30 am
Keynote Address with Award Presentation
Catherine D. DeAngelis, MD, MPH, Editor-in-Chief of Journal of The American Medical Association (JAMA), Editor-in-Chief of Scientific Publications and Multimedia Applications, and Professor of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University of School of Medicine In her role as the first woman editor of JAMA, Dr. Catherine DeAngelis has been an inspiration to all women in medicine. Her career spans three decades, including working as a nurse through college, public health projects in Harlem, medical education, and as vice-dean at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine before taking her post at JAMA. As editor-in-chief, she has been interested in womens health as well as the conflicts of interest in modern health cares relationship with the pharmaceutical industry. Come and hear DeAngelis share her thoughts on AMSAs PharmFree campaign and what we must do to maintain the publics trust in the profession of medicine. The National Golden Apple Award will be presented during this time.
Sponsored by the AMSA National President
6:30 pm-9:00 pm
5th Annual Residency Fair and Specialty Showcase
It's never too early to start thinking about your career in medicine. This fun event will allow attendees to discuss career development options and residency and specialty programs with the experts in an informal, interactive setting. Make sure to attend this important event.
Dozens of residency programs from around the country will be here to answer your questions and recruit you to their programs. Many specialty organizations will be present, as well. Use them as your resource. Do not miss this event.
Sponsored by the American Medical Student Association
9:00 pm-10:30 pm
Not For Sale Robert Marcarelli, Director/Producer
A screening of the documentary "Not For Sale" reveals the social justice movement to end human slavery and trafficking. This documentary follows people who are in the fight to end modern-day slavery. Robert Marcarelli, director/producer, is going to share some personal stories about the yearlong experience of filming as well as take part in a Q&A session.
Sponsored by the Action Committee on Women's Health
9:00 pm-10:30 pm
Global Health Movie
We are going to show a global health movie and have a discussion following the movie at this time.
Sponsored by the Action Committee on Global Health
10:30 am-11:20 am
Real Sex Education
Meryl Cohen, MEd, LCSW, Vice President of Education and Counseling, Planned Parenthood of Houston
Come and join us for a workshop dedicated to teaching effective and medically accurate sex education. In this workshop environment, we will learn how to provide the skills and information regarding safe sex practice, abstinence, family planning, contraception and other areas involved in sexual health. As future health care practioners, it is important to be able to provide education and information to our patients. So grab yourself a banana and join us for this hands- on experience.
Sponsored by the Action Committees on Women's Health, Medical Education and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health
12:30 pm-1:20 pm
Queer People of Color: The Minority Within the Minority
Kai Wright, Freelance Journalist; Assistant, NewsHour with Jim Lehrer (PBS)
Kai Wright, a freelance journalist based in Washington, DC, has written and researched extensively about homosexuality in the African American community. Wright will share his recent experiences while interviewing and speaking with gay young men of color in New York City for his new book, "Drifting Toward Love: Black, Brown, Gay and Coming of Age on the Streets of New York." He will also discuss the health disparities and unique perspectives that racial minorities within the LGBT community in the United States have toward their everyday challenges, ranging from HIV and STDs to drug abuse and suicide.
Sponsored by the Action Committees on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health and Minority Health
8:00 am-8:50 am
Sexual Health and Identity
Marilyn Volker, EdD, Sex Therapist; Host, Sex with Marilyn radio show
Sexuality and sexual health are complex. Our past experiences, gender identities, and who and what we find attractive come together to shape the way we approach our sexual lives. Dr. Marilyn Volker is a licensed sex therapist with her own radio show, "Sex with Marilyn." She speaks at universities on issues such as safe sex, sexually transmitted diseases, behavioral and cognitive sex therapy, post-traumatic stress disorder and understanding the components of sexual identity. She will be speaking in a workshop setting about developing a healthy sexual identity.
Sponsored by the Action Committees on Women's Health and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health
5:00 pm-5:50 pm
An Integrated Approach to a Complex Story
David Gentile, DO, CAc, PC, Associate Director, Medical Education, Plainview Hospital, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, New York
A new female patient enters your office with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and chronic debilitating migraines. What do you do? Offer acupuncture? Prescribe drugs? Practice osteopathic manipulation? Dr. David Gentile will discuss a case study using a truly integrative approach to healing as well as empower you with tools for prevention and self-care.
Sponsored by the Action Committees on Humanistic Medicine, Women's Health, Health Policy and the Interest Groups on Preventive Medicine, Mental Health and Osteopathic Medicine
12:30 pm-1:20 pm
Airway Management Clinical Session I Christopher Ryan Cook, DO, ASA-Resident Component President Elect, Chief Resident, Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology
Everyone needs to breathe. If your patients cannot do it effectively, they need your help, STAT. Whatever your planned specialty, you will face these patients who need your assistance to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Respiratory distress results from a variety of etiologies, and a variety of treatment strategies exsist for it. This hands-on mannequin-based seminar will cover a variety of techniques to maintain the airway and provide adequate ventilation and oxygenation during emergency CODE situations. Participants can expect hands-on experience with mask ventilation, incubation and other rescue techniques, as taught by local anesthesiology residents.
Sponsored by the AMSA Director of Student Programming and the American Society of Anesthesiologists-Resident Component
12:30 pm-1:20 pm
Transforming Mental Health: A New Era Kenneth S. Thompson, MD, University of Pittsburgh, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic
Recovery is more than a buzzword; it is a new mindset that means good things for your patients. In a time of crisis in the health care system, we have the opportunity to build mental health care delivery systems from the ground up. Consumers of mental health services face some of the greatest disparities, and it will take all types of health care professionals to solve this problem. Come listen to find out what you can do about it.
Sponsored by the AMSA Director of Student Programming, Action Committee on Community and Public Health and Interest Group on Mental Health
1:00 pm-5:50 pm
MEDebt Solutions--"No Excuses" Money & Debt Management Small Groups
Leon Johnson Jr, MBA, D.Ed, President and CEO, Education Association Services (EAS) Group, LLC & MEDebt Solutions
MEDebt Solutions will be hosting eight small group sessions starting every half hour (no sessions at 3:00 pm and 3:30 pm). Sessions will be limited to 20 attendees on a first-come, first-serve basis. These sessions are designed to inform, educate, possibly inspire and bridge the knowledge, behavior and attitude divide between money and debt reality, mystic and ignorance. They are fashioned to stimulate informed discussion about money, debt management and how managing your education debt is vital to personal and professional success, independence, economic stability and security as well as happiness or at least unhappiness. Sessions will serve as previews and preparation for Saturdays One-on-One and Group consultations. Enhance your money and debt management I.Q. and dont allow debt to alter your perspective, add to your stress or influence your career choices. Join us for a frank discussion about a taboo topic: MONEY!
Sponsored by the AMSA National President
Lots more...
PLUS PARTY:
8:00 pm-10:30 pm
United Colors of AMSA: The Party You Don't Want to Miss...
Come shake your brown, black, yellow, white, purple or green booty with your fellow minority students. Enjoy a variety of music from different cultural backgrounds while you dance the night away. Mojito anyone? For those of you non-dancers, come participate in a Twister competition! Winner will take home a very special prize in addition to the immense pride that comes with such an important title. For those of you who wish to continue the party in the city, the Minority Health Action Committee will be sponsoring three one-way taxis to the center of the club scene in Houston on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Sponsored by the Action Committee on Minority Health
8:00 pm-10:30 pm
Global Health Mixer Do you want to dance and get down to some global beats? Are you interested in global health? Have you spent time abroad or are you currently in the process of planning your next transcontinental trip? Do you want to make a difference by taking action on global health issues today? If you said yes to any or all of these questions, come join us at the annual Global Health Mixer, the place to meet and greet with others who share your passion for global health. This is an opportunity not to be missed. We guarantee a good, global time.
Sponsored by the Action Committee on Global Health
