The purpose of this petition is to create awareness and gain student interest in a nationally recognized organization called  The American Medical Association. 

It is the only organization that represents all medical students and physicians at every stage of their career, and we want to start a chapter at UMDNJ-SOM!
The AMA-Medical Student Section (AMA-MSS) provides student members with a powerful, unified voice on issues of importance to medical students.  With a focus on student-issues and the U.S. medical education system, the MSS provides students an avenue to voice concerns, analyze issues, and advocate for change. 

Currently, there are over 200 medical schools with participating chapters, including 20 of the 29 Osteopathic medical schools in the US. Students can join the AMA-MSS and maintain membership in the AMA through residency, fellowship and as practicing physicians. There are about 50,000 members in the MSS, which is about 20% of the total AMA membership. 

As members of the AMA, medical students are equal members in an association of physicians dedicated to the well being of all individuals and the betterment of their profession. They learn about the medical profession, bring focus to the improvement of the medical education system and help mold their own future.


Why should you join?

Benefits FOR Medical School Students

• Save 30% on rapid review series – USMLE
• Save 30% on Kaplan Rapid Review for USMLE and COMLEX (We get only COMLEX materials through our school)
• 25% at the AMA book store – first aid, COMLEX series
• Internships and Fellowships

         -Advocacy Fellowships
         -Government Relationships
         -Science and Technology
         -NIH research training progams

Other Benefits

• Representation in the house of delegates and direct involvement via voting participation at all levels of the AMA
• Coordination in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)
• Ability of the AMA-MSS to have an appointment for the NRMP

For even more benefits, Check out: 

Click Here!

             Here's an example of a policy that was started by an AMA-MSS member!

Smoking on Airplanes and a Smoke Free Workplace Legislation

In 1979, MSS adopted policy calling for a complete smoking ban on commercial aircraft. After much lobbying and public health campaigns, they were able to urge the US congress in 1989 to pass legislation on banning smoking on domestic flights. AMA also worked with other anti-tobacco organizations to eliminate smoking in the workplace -- this was done with support and a collaboration of AMA participating students, physicians, hospitals, clinics, and medical students!

         Current Topics for Advocacy

By signing this petition, you are helping us present to the UMDNJ-SOM Student Council that we, as a school, want a voice at the national level so that we can have the representation and advocacy that a school of our caliber deserves! Through professional development workshops, diverse volunteer opportunities and legislative advocacy, we wish to ensure that our students are prepared to tackle the challenging field we have chosen and have a strong voice in the health care changes we foresee. 

We are the future of medicine and we should take control of it!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your fellow classmates: 

Isha Desai: [email protected]                       Nishi Pandey: [email protected]

Daniel Valdes: [email protected]               Yash Suthar: [email protected]

Alyssa Cocchiara: [email protected]            Tina Bijlani: [email protected]

·