Here, we provide answers to some of the most common questions our members and visitors have about our organization and its activities. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us at member@amsa.org for further assistance. 

As the only national independent student-run medical organization working for medical students, the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) provides education and leadership training, resources, ideas and a voice for physicians-in-training to enhance the power and performance of the medical profession. Receive a new member gift after joining, courtesy of Wolters Kluwer and Kaplan Test Prep.

1. How can I become a member of AMSA?

You can join AMSA by visiting our website and following the membership registration process. There are different membership levels available, including domestic, pre-medical, and international student memberships.

2. How much does an AMSA membership cost?

Membership fees vary depending on the duration:

• $75 for a 4-year Membership
• $35 for a 1-year Membership (with an automatic renewal up to 3 years)

3. How do I cancel my autorenewal membership? 

To discontinue your automatic membership renewal, kindly fill out this form.

AMSA members have the privilege of accessing exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy tools. Furthermore, they can enjoy discounts on test preparation materials, learning resources, wellness, personal development resources, and much more. For a comprehensive list of membership benefits, please visit the Benefits and Partners section of our website.

4. For Premedical members only: How do I access my free Kaplan course/gift? 

Kaplan will send you an email about 2-3 weeks after you first registered as a member. 

If 2-3 weeks have passed since you joined AMSA, and you haven’t received an email from Kaplan. You can reset your password by going to this link and entering the email you used to register as an AMSA member.

5. What resources does AMSA provide to its members? 

AMSA offers a wide range of resources, including publications, educational materials, scholarships, and access to various healthcare-related databases. These resources are designed to support your medical education journey.

6. Does AMSA offer medical malpractice insurance? 

AMSA does not provide malpractice insurance directly, but we have partnered with Academic Group, which offers malpractice insurance to AMSA members at a discounted rate. 

Yes, AMSA hosts various events, including the Annual Future Physician for Change Convention. These events provide educational, networking, and leadership development opportunities.

7. How can I register for an AMSA conference or event?

You can register for AMSA events and conferences through our AMSA Calendar. For our Future Physician for Change Convention early registration comes with discounted rates, so be sure to check the registration deadlines.

8. How can I get involved in AMSA’s advocacy efforts?

AMSA offers numerous advocacy initiatives and volunteer opportunities. Check our Advocacy and Action Center for information on how you can participate in advocating for healthcare reform and other critical issues.

Most of our publications and educational materials are available to download on our website. Members have access to additional exclusive content.

9. Where can I donate my Medical Textbooks?

Donation of medical textbooks and journals is a wonderful and easy way to help promote education and autonomy in underserved areas. Discover a list of several organizations dedicated to this cause.

We’re excited that you want to bring AMSA to your Chapter. Visit our Jumpstart Your Chapter page for more information on the requirements that must be fulfilled before submitting your charter request.

10. What are the 4 Chapter Officer roles?

• Chapter President: Main liaison with AMSA National.
  
• Chapter Finance Officer (CFO): Handles chapter finances.
• Chapter Membership Officer (CMO): Manages marketing to members and prospective members.
• Chapter Advocacy Officer (CAO): Works with AMSA Campaigns/Committees to identity advocacy opportunities for the chapter.

11. How long does it take to get my chapter chartered?

Once submitted, It takes up to 30 days to be approved.

12. What are local dues?

If you want to charge members local dues, on top of the AMSA National dues that make them an official member (unlocking access to all the benefits) — that is totally fine. Some chapters like to collect money for local events, meetings, etc.

In order to collect local dues, you need to have a banking account for your chapter to make it legally-legit. To do this, you need an EIN. (Check the next question to see how to obtain one!)

It works like this: your new member will join online. They will pay for their membership and then there will be an option to also contribute to your chapter’s local dues (applicable to domestic Chapters only). They pay, and we transfer those fees back to your bank account! Voila. So, a bank account is important for that.

13. How to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and Tax-Exempt status for your Chapter?

Chapters are considered separate entities from AMSA, as such, they are responsible for obtaining their own tax ID and exemption and filing tax returns as applicable by local law. US based chapters will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) in order to open a bank account.

• Apply for your Chapter’s EIN online through the IRS.
  • Chapters should select “View Additional Types, Including Tax-Exempt and Governmental Organizations” and “Other Non-Profit/Tax-Exempt Organizations”.
  • Reason for Request: Banking Purposes.
  • The Chapter Officer (ideally the Chapter Finance Officer) completing this form will need to use their SSN/ITIN as the responsible and duly authorized member or officer of the Chapter.
• Apply for Tax Exemption through pay.gov
  • Follow these instructions to complete Form 1023-EZ for Tax Exemption of your Chapter.

14. Where can I access the AMSA logo?

AMSA’s Acronym, Logo, and Likeness
We love it when Chartered Chapters use AMSA’s logo, acronym and likeness, as long as these guidelines are followed. Let us know if you have questions or need help accessing any files – members@amsa.org