As busy physicians and physicians in training, it is tempting to focus exclusively on the demands of our busy schedule, while neglecting other opportunities for growth and fellowship. However, if we prioritize involvement in activities and organizations that enhance personal and professional development, we will be happier and more effective in what we do. A great opportunity for medical students, residents/fellows, and graduate physicians to interact with peers is to be an active member of the Missouri State Medical Association and its components.
Dr. Lovinger visits medical students at AT Still Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Involvement can take many forms, and may include local, regional, and national connections. MSMA sponsors active groups at all six of Missouri’s allopathic and osteopathic schools. Student participants have the opportunity to attend statewide and national meetings, such as legislative advocacy days, the annual MSMA state meeting, and AMA meetings. Relationships developed at these events can lead to lifetime friendships and peer support.
The growing Mentor Program, piloted this year at MU-Columbia, pairs medical students with graduate physicians across the state. Residents and Fellows in Missouri’s several training programs are urged to connect with peers in their growing and enthusiastically led MSMA caucus. Nationally, residents and fellows are very effective in influencing the policies of the American Medical Association.
Drs. Ravi Johar and Lovinger help launch the MU Medical Student-Mentor program.
For those of us who are now in practice—whether employed or independent—it is crucial that we stay connected to our peers locally, statewide, and nationally. The Missouri State Medical Association exists to provide this professional umbrella. MSMA membership provides ready access to a myriad of participative, advocacy, and learning opportunities. In my home area, the West Central Missouri Medical Society brings together physicians from five rural counties. Our meetings are wonderful opportunities for fellowship, and networking—and are always heavily attended.
At a state level, MSMA has ten districts that each have at least two councilors/vice councilors who attend quarterly meetings in Jefferson City. There is no better way to feel the pulse of Missouri’s healthcare community than to participate in these gatherings. It is also invigorating to get to know so many wonderful, motivated people. The MSMA staff is very effective in facilitating our organization’s many activities, and constantly reaches out to Missouri students, residents/fellows, and practicing physicians.
For some MSMA leaders, the opportunity to represent Missouri nationally at the meetings of the American Medical Association provides an awesome experience. We are especially fortunate this year to have a Missourian—David Barbe, MD, of Mountain Grove—as the AMA President. He presents our state and profession exceptionally well, as was readily apparent during our recent visit to Washington, D.C. and the Missouri congressional delegation during the National Advocacy Conference.
Members at the West Central component society.
Your MSMA Council.
Perhaps the greatest involvement opportunity available to all of us—physicians and physicians in training – is the annual Missouri State Medical Association Annual Convention. It alternates between Kansas City and St. Louis—this year held at the St. Louis Renaissance Hotel from March 23 to 25, 2018. Not only is there fellowship with physicians, students, residents, and fellows from across the state, but there are numerous CME programs (free to MSMA members), discussion of MSMA positions and proposals in the coming year, and recognition of many leaders in our state. The value of your MSMA dues is easily recouped by simply attending this meeting.
Your Missouri Delegation to the American Medical Association.
In summary, membership in the Missouri State Medical Association and its components opens the door to a wide variety of opportunities for personal and professional growth and satisfaction. I hope that you will take this invitation to Be Involved!
Biography
Warren C. Lovinger, Jr., MD, MACP, MSMA member since 1979, and President for 2017–2018, is an Internal Medicine physician, Nevada, Missouri.
Contact: wclovinger@gmail.com
