MMA Viewpoint
Let's Get Delegates Out in Spades
If the direction of the MMA is going to reflect all physicians in the state, we need to hear a plethora of voices, not just a few.
We’re looking for a full house. I’m not talking about poker. I’m talking about this year’s annual meeting, which will be held at the Breezy Point Resort in Brainerd September 15-17. And I’m encouraging you to attend.
In recent years, we’ve had too many empty seats in our House of Delegates—the MMA’s decision-making body. This is a problem for all of us. The physicians who attend the annual meeting and serve as delegates set the direction of the association. If that direction is going to truly reflect all physicians in this state, we need to hear a plethora of voices, not just a few.
Why have numbers been down? Some have speculated that members, particularly younger members, just aren’t interested in attending meetings in person any more. Others have suggested that our meeting needs revamping. To get a better idea of why members don’t attend, the MMA created an annual meeting work group, which recently surveyed members. Here’s what we found: Those who attend the meeting said their top reasons for doing so were that it provided an opportunity to support the profession, influence MMA policy, and socialize. Those who do not said having the opportunity to shape policy, attend educational events, and hear high-profile speakers might convince them to attend.
Overall, we found that members would like the meeting to be shorter and less formal and to include more time for socializing. Another thing the survey uncovered was that members are confused about how some of our processes work. Thirty percent of those who responded did not know how to become a delegate. The MMA will be responding to your suggestions. But let me be clear: One thing won’t change about the annual meeting. It will always be the forum where members shape the MMA’s policies, and that is why it is important that as many physicians as possible attend.
We want you to know that it is, in fact, easy to become a delegate. All you have to do is present yourself to your component (regional) medical society, specialty society, or section. You can do this by phone. (To find out how to get in touch with your component medical society, go to www.mmaonline.net/delegate.) Most component medical societies accept all applicants as delegates. Once you are a delegate, you can debate and vote on resolutions as part of the House of Delegates. All members are welcome to attend the meeting’s educational events and participate in debates in committees, although only delegates can vote in the House of Delegates.
This year’s location at a resort promises to lend a less formal feel to the meeting. There will be more time for socializing, in part because more attendees will be staying overnight. In addition, the location invites the option of bringing along family members.
I hope you will join me at Breezy Point. I guarantee you will hear different perspectives, gain new insights from colleagues working in a variety of specialties and living in different parts of the state, and feel the sense of satisfaction that comes from taking a stand on issues you care about. See you in Brainerd.