Consider the Many Leadership Positions

AMWA’s mission to advance women in medicine includes both developing leaders and providing leadership opportunities within our organization. The leadership experience you gain within AMWA will help you gain a competitive edge in the healthcare workforce.

The American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) awarded AMWA the 2011 Women in Medicine and Science Leadership Development Award for the contributions AMWA makes to developing medical women leaders.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board of Directors. The Board holds regular monthly, annual, and special meetings to manage the business, funds, and affairs of AMWA. The Board of Directors includes between three and fourteen elected Officers and Directors who serve a two-year term. Each Officer and Director must be a voting member of AMWA. All AMWA Board members are required to serve on either a standing committee or a working group. The Board of Directors organizes an annual election for the purpose of electing Officers and Board Members of AMWA.

OFFICERS

AMWA Officers include President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Officers are elected by the voting members AMWA. The Board has the option to appoint additional officers as necessary.

President. The President is elected by voting members of AMWA. The President is the Chief Executive Officer of AMWA, presides over all meetings of the Board and Executive Committee, and has the responsibility to operate AMWA in all its activities subject to its policies and budget. The President acts as a representative of the Board of Directors, an ex-officio member of all committees, and shall perform such other duties as may be specified by the Executive Committee or the Board of Directors.

President-Elect. The President-Elect succeeds the President at the close of the President’s term. In the absence of the President, the President-Elect performs the President’s duties. The President- Elect shall perform such other duties as may be specified from time to time by the President, the Executive Committee, or the Board of Directors.

Immediate Past President. The Immediate Past President acts in an advisory capacity to the other officers of AMWA, represents other committees and task groups as deemed necessary by the Governance Committee, and performs all other duties incidental to the office.

The Secretary. The Secretary gives notice and keeps minutes of all meetings of the Board. (S)he shall send copies of the minutes of all meetings to the Board and shall also see that the books, reports, statements, and all other documents required by law are properly kept and filed. The Secretary shall perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the President or the Board.

The Treasurer. The Treasurer has custody of the corporate funds and other valuable holdings, including investments and endowments. The treasurer shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to AMWA and shall deposit all monies and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of AMWA in such depositories as may be designated by the Board. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of AMWA, working in close cooperation with the President and the Board, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President on a monthly basis an account of all transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of AMWA.

STANDING COMMITTEES

AMWA has four Standing Committees: Executive, Governance, Finance & Audit, and American Women’s Hospitals Service. These and other standing committees consist of two or more Directors, may be designated and appointed by a resolution adopted by a majority of Directors in office, and shall have the powers and duties specified in the Bylaws or in such resolution.

The Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall consist of five (5) members: the President, who shall act as Committee Chairman; the President-Elect; the Immediate Past President; the Secretary, and the Treasurer. The Executive Committee shall have and exercise the authority of the Board of Directors.

The Finance Committee. The Finance Committee shall consist of five (5) members: The Treasurer, who shall act as Committee Chairman; the President and three (3) members appointed by the President. The Finance Committee shall assist the Board of Directors in discharging its oversight responsibilities relating to accounting; financial reporting; financial practices of AMWA; annual budget and outside auditor qualifications, independence and ongoing performance. The Finance Committee regularly reviews the financial affairs of AMWA and makes recommendations to the AMWA Treasurer and Board of Directors. In concert with AMWA Headquarters, considers proposed items of expenditures and prepares and submits a budget for the ensuing year to the Board of Directors at the interim meeting. Reviews the results of the audit; assures that the audit recommendations are appropriately addressed; assures auditors independence from management; serve as liaison between management and independent auditors.

The Governance Committee. The Governance Committee consists of six (6) members. The Board of Directors shall appoint the Chair and the members of the Governance Committee, having determined their qualifications. Members of the Committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and for such

term or terms as the Board may determine. The Governance Committee shall assist the Board of Directors in planning; annual review of committee and task group needs; Board orientation and education; composition of the Board including recruitment and nomination of candidates for elected office; leadership succession, Board evaluation; and policies and bylaws.

The American Women’s Hospitals Service (AWHS) Committee. In keeping with AMWA’s mission to improve care to the medically underserved, AWHS, a project of the AMWA Foundation, provides on- going funding to small, community based, non- profit clinics and hospitals that give care to the medically underserved. It also continues to identify additional clinics and projects for the poor that receive limited financial support, are staffed and directed by women physicians and focus on medical care for all with the emphasis on the care of women and children. It regularly reviews its commitment to clinics and hospitals it supports attempting to provide funds to clinics that give the most direct patient care. AWHS also provides funding to women medical students and residents who travel to medically underserved areas in the U.S. and abroad to work in approved Program/CMEs that care for the medically underserved.

The AWHS Committee shall consist of at least six (6) members including two Directors of the Board. The Board of Directors shall appoint the Chair and the members of the AWHS Committee, having determined their qualifications. Members of the committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and for such term or terms as the Board may determine. The AWHS Committee shall be responsible for selecting projects to sponsor, within its budget of available funds, to deliver clinical services in underserved communities in the U.S. and abroad and shall solicit funds to support these projects. The AWHS contributions and expenditures shall be reported as part of the AMWA budget and the investment of AWHS reserves shall be managed by AMWA’s investment manager.

COMMITTEES

Committee Chairs. Chairs of all committees are appointed by the President-Elect and serve at the pleasure of the Board.

The chairs and members of these Working Groups are appointed by and serve the President. Each Working Group keeps minutes of their meetings and reports to the Board. Chairs establish meeting times for the full year, in concert with the AMWA Executive Director and disseminate those dates and times to committee members. Chairs prepare a meeting agenda to be sent to members prior to each call and will arrange for meeting minutes or “Action Items” to be kept and sent to the ED who will distribute to the AMWA BODs. Committee minutes/ Action Items will also be kept in at AMWA Headquarters in Philadelphia and included in Annual and Interim Meeting Board books. Working Group meetings will not be staffed by AMWA management but will assist with the work of the committees as requested by the Chairs.

Email associatedirector@amwa-doc.org to indicate your interest in a working group.

Annual Meeting/Program. The Annual Meeting/Program Committee works with Headquarters to plan events surrounding the Annual Meeting. This Committee makes a recommendation to the Board on what organization to align with for the Annual Meeting, identifiers speakers/guests to invite and plans other events as needed.

Archives. Responsible for the collection and proper maintenance of essential historical documents of AMWA, either in the National Office or in a safe repository designated by the Board of Directors (currently at Archives and Special Collections on Women in Medicine, Drexel University); the collection and preservation of historical material pertaining to women in medicine; and the preparation of exhibits and other educational activities.

Awards Committee. Administers all awards presented by AMWA except as otherwise provided in other committee charges. Develops procedures for the administration of all AMWA awards and considers researches and recommends new awards; develops procedures for selecting the recipients of awards granted by AMWA to ensure continuity, uniformity, and procedural consistency in the selection process. The committee submits its recommendations for awards to the Board of Directors for approval.

Fundraising. This committee works with AMWA Staff to seek new fundraising opportunities and collaborations for AMWA Board of Directors consideration.

Gender Equity. The American Medical Women’s Association Gender Equity Task Force (AMWA GETF) strives to accomplish gender equity as a fact of life in society, and to engage in activities, action and collaborations pursuant to this goal, beginning with the healthcare industry of which women physicians are one component.

Membership and Marketing. The Membership and Marketing Committee is responsible for recruitment and retention programs, recommendations to the Board on membership types and criteria as well as monitoring the membership process with Headquarters.

Policy/Advocacy. Informs members of public issues of interest to AMWA; informs the Board of Directors of proposed federal or significant state legislation related to women in the areas of medical care, health and welfare; and represents the AMWA before legislative and administrative agencies.

Senior Physicians. Provides educational and social opportunities to senior members of the Association; provides ongoing education about medical Program facing physicians treating the elderly; utilizes the expertise of senior members in the activities of the Association; encourages networking between senior members and mentoring between senior members and medical students; and advises the Career Development Committee on issues of importance to senior members.

Women’s Health. Provides expertise on women’s health topics for position statements, program, special projects, media and other needs.

Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA). Each member of AMWA holds Membership in MWIA.

Additional Leadership Positions

Start a Local Branch. AMWA shall grant a regular branch charter to an organized group of at least five (5) members upon receipt of a properly executed application form. Branches must conform to the Certificate of Incorporation and Mission Statement of AMWA, and to these Bylaws and any written standards adopted by the Board of Directors.

National Student Leadership Positions

AMWA’s student division grows and advances only through the efforts of dedicated student leaders! Each leadership position varies greatly with respect to responsibility and time commitment. However, all require a passion for advancing women in medicine and women’s health. AMWA student leadership consists of national, regional, and local leaders. Student leaders must be healthcare-affiliated students at the undergraduate, medical, graduate, or residency levels. National and regional leaders are elected by vote at the Annual Meeting. Local branches may assemble their leadership boards as they see fit.

Frequently Asked Questions: Elections Who is Eligible to Apply?

Applicants must be national AMWA members that are healthcare-affiliated students at the medical, graduate, or residency level. All applicants must be able to attend the leadership kickoff meeting at the Annual AMWA Conference.

How Do I Apply?

Your completed application consists of your completed application form, an uploaded photo (preferably passport size), and your CV submitted by February 1. Email your CV and photo to conference@amwa- student.org, the application form should be submitted directly online.

What is the Election Process?

• National and regional leaders are elected by vote each year at the AMWA Annual Meeting. All positions will be open for election with the exception of President, which will be filled by the outgoing President-Elect.
• Each student present at the annual national meeting will have one vote for each leadership position, with the exception of the current (outgoing) President and President-Elect. There will be no voting by proxy, and no absentee voting
• A brief message from each candidate will be printed in election materials. Candidates for executive roles will also have the opportunity to make a 2-minute speech. (The time limit will be strictly enforced!) Elections for executive roles will take place first. Results will be announced before elections continue. Those who do not win are strongly encouraged to run for Regional Director or Chair positions of interest. Results for Regional Director and Chair positions will be announced promptly after voting concludes.

The terms of leadership will be from Annual Meeting to Annual Meeting

What Leadership Roles are Available?

The positions of President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Regional Directors (Regions 1 through 9/10, 1-2 per region), Advocacy Chair, Awards Chair, Conference Chair (2), External Relations Chair, Global Health Chair (2), and Recruitment Chair will be elected at the Annual Meeting. These positions and their responsibilities are described below. All national and regional leaders are also required to attend bimonthly conference calls and answer all emails received at the appropriate @amwa- student.org email account.

Consider These National and Regional Leadership Roles

National leaders include:

• Executive Committee: President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer
• Committee Chairs: Advocacy, Awards, Conference, External Relations, Global Health, and Recruitment Chairs
• Immediate Past President

Regional leaders consist of 1-2 Regional Directors from each region, as follows:

• Region 1: CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT
• Region 2: NY , NJ
• Region 3: DE, MD, PA, VA, DC
• Region 4: NC, SC, FL, GA
• Region 5: AL, LA, MS, TX, TN, Caribbean
• Region 6: OH, IL, IN, KY, MI, WV, WI
• Region 7: AR, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, OK, SD
• Region 8: AZ, CO, NM, UT, WY
• Region9&10:CA,HI,NV,ID,MT,OR,WA,AK

National and regional leaders comprise the Student Division (formerly the Student Scholarships and Loans Committee). National and regional leaders are responsible for ensuring that all national leadership objectives are achieved. National and regional leaders may be dismissed at the discretion of the President if they miss more than three conference calls.

All leadership roles include the following bulleted responsibilities, but are by no means limited to them. All leadership roles also include responsibility for answering all emails received at the appropriate @amwa-student.org email account and attending scheduled (bimonthly) conference calls.

President

• Serve on the AMWA Board of Directors and attend the AMWA Interim and Annual Meetings
• Chair the Student Division
• Maintain communication with AMWA headquarters; national, regional, and local leaders; and other key partners.
• Provide strategic guidance for the student division and larger organization. Support and inspire student leadership

President-Elect

• Serve as President the following year
• Attend the AMWA Interim and Annual Meetings
• Maintain communication with national, regional, and local leaders and other key partners
• Coordinate the AMWA Student Hosting Program
• Supervise maintenance of all forms of AMWA student internet presence
• Coordinate national and regional elections at the Annual Meeting

Secretary

• Attend the AMWA Annual Meeting
• Work with Recruitment Chairs and Regional Directors to coordinate the collection of local branch leadership information at the beginning of each academic year
• Compile and send out the monthly Student Newsflash
• Schedule, set agendas, and take minutes for monthly conference calls

Treasurer

• Attend the AMWA Annual Meeting
• Oversee national fundraising and grant-writing
• Liaise with AMWA headquarters to track student funds
• Work with Awards Chair to disburse scholarships and grants

Advocacy Chair

• Serve on the physician Policy and Advocacy Committee
• Identify relevant opportunities to lobby and raise awareness on behalf of AMWA and the issues and policies supported by AMWA

Awards Chair

• Publicize, coordinate efforts to select, and notify recipients of AMWA awards, scholarships, and branch and regional grants
• Maintain a close working relationship with the Treasurer

Conference Chair (2)

• Serve on the physician Conference Planning Committee
• Coordinate with AMWA headquarters to plan the Annual Meeting student track content and logistics as well as accommodations for student attendees
• Work with the Treasurer to coordinate grant-writing to subsidize costs

External Relations Chair

• Maintain and establish contact with other medical student organizations; renegotiate Memorandums of Understanding; organize cross-advertising
• Work with Recruitment Chair to create materials (flyers, presentations, etc.) and organize advertising to recruit new AMWA members
• Identify opportunities to increase awareness of AMWA within medicine and the general public

Global Health Chair (2)

• Serve on the physician Global Outreach Committee
• Identify ways that AMWA can contribute to Millennium Development Goals
• Organize all aspects of the Anne C. Carter Fellowship
• Develop international rotation opportunities for AMWA members with AWHS

Recruitment Chair

• Coordinate all aspects of new membership recruitment each fall
• Organize all AMWA promotional item (t-shirt) requests; coordinate item distribution
• Nurture the development of new local branches and continue enrichment of existing local branches

Regional Director (1-2)

• Update and maintain region’s local leadership contact information
• Organize new branches at medical schools that do not have an active branch
• Hold a regional conference, regional retreat, or other event at some point in the year with the help of the Regional Event Grant (see student grants and scholarships section)
• Generate and distribute a monthly regional student newsletter

Thank you for your interest in the American Medical Women’s Association.

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