Representative to AMA’s Specialty and Service Society (SSS)
The Academy provides a single representative to the American Medical Association’s Specialty and Service Society (SSS). This individual plays a key role representing the Academy’s interests within SSS, the division of the AMA House of Delegates representing specialties (as opposed to state medical societies). The appointment is a three-year renewable term commencing with the AMA’s 2023 Interim Meeting scheduled for November 11-14 at National Harbor, Maryland. Because of the nature of this role the ACLP Board envisages a long-term appointment. The incumbent, L Lee Tynes, MD, PhD, FACLP, is eligible for re-election.
Eligibility
Due to the challenging requirements of the position and policy issues involved, the Board of Directors has determined that only Academy Fellows in good standing are eligible candidates to apply for this role. Candidates must be a current AMA member at the time of application.
Application Process
Nominations will only be accepted online via this application process and must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 31. The deadline will not be extended, and nominations submitted via other means will not be accepted.
You may nominate yourself or another. If you nominate someone else, please confirm in advance that s/he is a current Fellow in good standing and a member of the AMA. Candidates not meeting these eligibility requirements will not be considered.
The most important element of the nomination process is the Letter of Candidacy, which MUST, in addition to any comments you make in support of your candidacy or that of your nominee, include the following sections:
- Describe you or your candidate’s past or present involvement with the AMA, including volunteer positions. Comment on experience with the AMA, especially in the House of Delegates and/or as a member of the medical student (MSS) and/or resident and fellows (RFS) sections, if any. Indicate knowledge and experience of the AMA’s governance structure.
- Explain why you or your candidate wishes to serve in this role and what contributions you or your candidate can make if selected. This explanation may be strengthened by referring to experience and contributions outside the Academy that would make a candidate particularly qualified for service to the AMA SSS.
- A summary of the candidate’s volunteer history and service with the Academy.
- A statement agreeing to personally attend, wherever possible, all AMA SSS meetings, including as a guest to the House of Delegates.
What does service as ACLP’s representative to the AMA’s SSS involve?
AMA SSS meets twice a year, in June at the AMA’s Annual Meeting, and in November at the AMA’s Interim Meeting. ACLP’s delegate will be expected to attend both, including House of Delegates and section council activities, which in total can amount to a commitment of about 5-6 days for each meeting. ACLP reimburses expenses for attendance at both meetings.
ACLP’s delegate will meet with the Academy Board at the annual meeting, usually on the Wednesday afternoon preceding the first day of the annual meeting, for about 20 mins. A written report is requested twice a year: in the spring, in advance of the Board’s spring meeting; and in the fall, prior to the annual meeting.
What kind of work is expected of the person occupying this role?
Our SSS representative is expected to attend all SSS sessions and meetings of the Psychiatry Caucus of the House of Delegates. The ACLP’s delegate will be expected to liaise with the Psychiatry Section Council, as invited, and to provide input, as requested, regarding policy of particular relevance to C-L Psychiatry.
After the initial period of membership in SSS, ACLP will become eligible for a voting delegate in the AMA House of Delegates, the policy-making body of the AMA. As part of the SSS and eventually the AMA HoD, the ACLP would also be a part of the AMA Psychiatry Section Council with the APA, AAGP, AACAP and AAPL.
Process; Notifications
May 31: Call for nominations closes
June 15: Nominating Committee selects and recommends to the Board a single nominee for endorsement
July 1: Board ratifies nominee
By July 15: all candidates notified
