The Mission of the MASA Medical Student Section (MSS)
To encourage and support the active participation of medical students in their County Medical Society, the Medical Association of the State of Alabama (MASA), and the American Medical Association (AMA).
To provide a forum for representation of the medical student's perspective and ideas in organized medicine.
To provide opportunities for medical students to learn and understand the practice of medicine in the State of Alabama.
To promote community activism that seeks to improve the quality of health care and the quality of life in the State of Alabama.
For more information, contact the Membership Department!
Future Physicians Dedicated to the Health of Alabama
As you work toward your goal of becoming a physician, you will realize a growing responsibility to become an advocate for quality health care for your patients. You will also develop a sense of responsibility for your profession and colleagues, both locally at the county level, in Alabama and nationally. Fulfilling this sense of responsibility can be accomplished through membership in the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, your county medical society and the American Medical Association (AMA). Organized medicine functions at all three levels to insure that quality health care--and patients' best interests--are protected and served.
The Medical Association of the State of Alabama (MASA)
MASA is your link to organized medicine at the state level. While MASA is most active in Alabama, it also represents its membership at the national level through the Alabama AMA Delegation. MASA provides opportunities for students to participate in many of its activities and meetings, at both state and national levels. Through MASA, medical students learn how advocacy affects the Patient's Bill of Rights, tort reform, funding for Medicaid and many other issues that impact the practice of medicine. Students are also linked to key Medical Association initiatives, such as the Alliance's S.A.V.E. campaign against domestic violence, or a state-wide program designed to increase organ donation in support of the Alabama Organ Center. Your membership means involvement in important efforts on behalf of the patients in Alabama.
The American Medical Association (AMA)
The most politically powerful organization medical students can join during their tenure in medical school is the AMA. During the AMA's Annual Meeting in Chicago and its yearly interim meeting, medical students from throughout the United States come together and share ideas that can affect national medical policy endorsed by the AMA House of Delegates. Any student member can submit resolutions for consideration by the AMA House at these meetings. If passed, a student resolution can become the key to legislation lobbied by the AMA before Congress. Your membership means participation in the national debate on medical policy.
County Medical Society
Student membership in your county medical society provides the opportunity to meet and network with local physicians who can assist you with getting your ideas before both state and national forums. Most county medical societies have a regular meeting schedule with opportunities throughout the year for programs that can be social, educational or community service oriented. Your membership means interacting with your local medical community.