Advocacy Resident/Fellow Training Program
The MSMA Advocacy Resident/Fellow Training Scholar (ART Scholar) program as designed to encourage residents and fellows to get involved with organized medicine through advocacy, professional networking, and leadership training. Residents and fellows who complete any SIX (6) eligible activities during their training are recognized as ART Scholars at the Annual Session of the Mississippi State Medical Association House of Delegates in August. Participation in this program is a great addition to any CV and introduction into advocacy before becoming an attending physician!
To join the ART program, contact Sheryl Ashley, Technology and Data Manager at [email protected] or (601) 853 - 6733, ext. 305 to receive your username. She will communicate with you the requirements of the program and directions for logging all ART activities to our online portal. The deadline to be included in the Annual Session program each year is May 31.
The activities listed below are offered to give you a variety of ways to gain advocacy experience and get plugged in to MSMA. Plus, there will be other events throughout the year that will also be ART eligible in addition to the ones listed below. Be sure to sign up to receive our emails for more information on ART opportunities throughout the year!
ART Scholar Activities
Visit the State Capitol with MSMA During Legislative Session
See how the legislative process works and meet your legislators. We’ll help! Throughout the legislative session, David Roberts, Chief of Staff and Director of Governmental Affairs, is at the Capitol to lobby on behalf of MSMA member physicians. Every year, legislation is introduced that affects the practice of medicine. It is only with the support and involvement of our physician members that MSMA is able to effectively advocate for the practice of medicine. Contact David Roberts at [email protected] to schedule a visit.
(1 visit = 1 credit)
Serve as the Doctor of the Day with MSMA at the State Capitol
Each day a licensed Mississippi physician volunteers his or her time to provide medical care to legislators and their staff. Be introduced on the House and Senate Floor. You will also get a chance to work in the Capitol Clinic with MSMA staff. Contact Sheryl Ashley [email protected] for any questions.
(1 visit = 1 credit)
Attend a Mississippi Board of Medical Licensure Meeting
The Board of Medical Licensure issues professional licenses and serves as the regulatory board for the practice of medicine in Mississippi. Every odd numbered month, the Board meets publicly to hold disciplinary hearings, discuss proposed regulatory changes and evaluate collaboration requests, among other topics. As an observer, you will be exposed to the regulatory side of practicing medicine, a highly important area. Contact David Roberts at [email protected] to find out about the next meeting.
(1 visit = 1 credit)
Participate in Physician Membership Outreach Efforts
Physician membership outreach efforts are a key part of our association. Participating in membership outreach efforts allows you to sharpen your interpersonal and communication skills, network with physicians, engage in learning the importance of advocacy and organized medicine, and affect the future of medicine in our state as your voice matters. Contact [email protected] for more information.
(Credit allowed will depend on task)
Participate in MSMA Calls to Action Through Voter Voice
MSMA often calls on members to write letters, send emails or make calls to their legislators expressing support or opposition to a bill. Your voice is highly important; participate in calls to action sent from MSMA on Legislative issues. Stay on the lookout for an MSMA email regarding calls to action!
(5 calls to action = 1 credit)
Attend the MSMA Annual Session
Each year, MSMA members gather to elect new officers, consider proposed resolutions, and commend the recipients of various awards. Here you can be an actual voting delegate and participate in the democratic process that steers MSMA’s efforts. Attendance is free, and you are welcome to attend even if you are not a voting delegate. Please register online beginning [date] or. contact Sheryl Ashley at [email protected] for additional information.
(Attendance at both days of Annual Session = 1 credit; there may be opportunities for additional credits during Annual Session as well.)
Volunteer at an MMPAC Event
The Mississippi Medical Political Action Committee raises money to support Mississippi’s elected officials who are champions for the practice of medicine. Contact us about upcoming PAC events or how you can get involved with the PAC. Contact David Roberts, Chief of Staff and Director of Government Affairs at [email protected] for more information.
(1 Event = 1 Credit)
Attend a Component Society Meeting
There are currently 17 Component Societies geographically located throughout the state that are affiliated with MSMA. You may attend a Component Society meeting in the area in which you live (or attend school) for ART Scholar credit. There will be a maximum of 2 ART Scholar credits given for this activity. We encourage you to attend as many meetings as possible as this is an excellent opportunity to network with current physicians, present resolutions to be considered by the House of Delegates, and dive into the world of MSMA advocacy and leadership. Component societies are the foundation from which all MSMA work is built.
(1 Event = 1 Credit, limit of 2 considered)
Participate in an MSMA-lead event whether it be community service, resolution writing workshop, or more!
Engage and learn at an MSMA-hosted event planned by MSMA staff or MSMA Resident Trustee. If you are interested in planning and leading your own event in partnership with MSMA, please contact [email protected].
(Credit allowed will depend on the type of event)