MEDICAL STUDENTS
MEDICAL STUDENTS AND SCMS
The Suffolk County Medical Society is the leading voice for physicians in Suffolk County, striving to improve medical education and advocating for the future of medicine. We offer medical students the opportunity to learn about the legislative process, health policy and advocacy in organized medicine. As a medical student, you too can support our cause to improve the modern health care industry. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
MEDICAL STUDENT BENEFITS
Advocacy: As trusted members of the healthcare system, physicians are in the best position to understand the needs of patients. Legislators require the knowledge and input of experts in the field to make important decisions on future laws. Through SCMS we are speaking on your behalf to powerful groups that listen to our feedback, such as policy makers, large employers and insurance companies. With involvement in organized medicine, our large body of like-minded professionals are advocating for your best interests - and often see major results! As SCMS is a county society, our leadership is incredibly receptive to individual feedback, enabling your voice to be heard even more strongly.
Networking: Exposing medical students to advocacy and social responsibility within medicine helps to shape and define their professional goals. Networking with those who share common objectives and interests can bolster your profile within the community and define your identity as a physician. SCMS provides many opportunities for professional networking and leadership, helping you to cultivate new relationships and mentorships.
Career Advancement:
Resources: Access our wealth of tools and resources to navigate your career and prepare for the future. From webinars to CME credits to membership discounts on products, SCMS is committed to providing our medical students with the means to succeed.
SCMS has a specific mission to advance the practice of medicine, public health and medical education in Suffolk County. As such, your voice is able to be heard even more strongly regarding issues directly related to where you live and work. SCMS acts upon matters both large and small, giving you an even greater opportunity for involvement and leadership.
WHAT CAN SCMS DO FOR ME?
Advocacy: As trusted members of the healthcare system, physicians are in the best position to understand the needs of patients. Legislators require the knowledge and input of experts in the field to make important decisions on future laws. Through SCMS we are speaking on your behalf to powerful groups that listen to our feedback, such as policy makers, large employers and insurance companies. With involvement in organized medicine, our large body of like-minded professionals are advocating for your best interests - and often see major results! As SCMS is a county society, our leadership is incredibly receptive to individual feedback, enabling your voice to be heard even more strongly.
Networking: Exposing medical students to advocacy and social responsibility within medicine helps to shape and define their professional goals. Networking with those who share common objectives and interests can bolster your profile within the community and define your identity as a physician. SCMS provides many opportunities for professional networking and leadership, helping you to cultivate new relationships and mentorships.
Career Advancement:
Resources: Access our wealth of tools and resources to navigate your career and prepare for the future. From webinars to CME credits to membership discounts on products, SCMS is committed to providing our medical students with the means to succeed.
ADVOCACY TOPICS
Physician advocacy occurs in four major areas: patient-centered, clinical, administrative, and legislative. Some topics of interest to medical students include:
- Physician burnout
- Gender equality in Medicine
- Inequalities in population health
- Student loan debt/loan repayments
- Medical liability reform
- Drug pricing and shortages
- Sustainable funding for Medical Research
- Telemedicine
- Single-Payer Healthcare vs. Private Insurance
- Health emergencies, such as climate change
- Healthcare disparities faced by the LGBTQ community
- Opioid crisis
HOW CAN MEDICAL STUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
- Get involved with SCMS and join us for our annual Physician Advocacy Day in Albany, NY!
- Stay up-to-date on hot topics in healthcare and do your research
- Organize medical student advocacy days at your medical school
- Attend conferences
- Set up meetings with state and federal representatives
- Write letters and make phone calls to your representatives
MSSNY MEDICAL STUDENT SECTION (MSS)
The mission of the MSSNY Medical Student Section (MSS) is to encourage and support the active participation of medical students in MSSNY and the American Medical Association (AMA). It provides a forum for medical student opinions and ideas, promotes health care in the local community, and develops leaders within the medical profession.
As a member of the MSSNY MSS you can network with colleagues, participate in community service events, learn more about the legislative issues MSSNY is fighting for, and much more. Some student members can even become a delegate for the MSSNY House of Delegates or the AMA House of Delegates. There are many ways to become involved at the state and national level!
For more information about joining, contact Michael Reyes at mreyes@mssny.org.