AMSA'S 54TH ANNUAL CONVENTION
Forging a Future in Kansas City
March 17-21, 2004 * Kansas City, MO

In a city known for its fountains, jazz and barbecue, the American Medical Student Association held a celebration of its own at the organization's 54th Annual Convention.

More than 1,000 attendees gathered under the theme "Forging a Future of Health Equality," committing themselves to ensuring that no one is abandoned by the health-care system and that everyone receives the care they need. The meeting featured engaging workshops, provocative sessions, intimate discussion groups, career networking events and even an art show. Topics ranged from health disparities to universal health care, from technology in medicine to domestic violence, from the clinical-skills exam to applying to medical school.

And as a grand display of their dedication to patients around the world, the future physicians rallied in the center of Kansas City, Missouri, to bring attention to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, demanding treatment for the millions who are infected and criticizing U.S. policy on the issue.

Find out more about our conference.

Sessions Keynotes Rally Awards Premeds New Leadership

Congratulations to our two $5,000 scholarship winners! Jennifer Brunet, Louisiana State University at Shreveport Tanya Wansom, University of Michigan Medical School

AMSA Approves Groundbreaking Policy at 2004 Annual Meeting

At the 2004 Annual Meeting in Kansas City, MO, the AMSA House of Delegates approved the following groundbreaking policy: The American Medical Student Association:

SUPPORTS including curricula in medical school education concerning the ethics of physician-industry interactions, particularly in relation to pharmaceutical research and marketing.

BELIEVES that full marriage rights should be extended to same-sex couples.

RECOGNIZES the valuable role the United States Armed forces and its service people play in defending our country and keeping peace, however AMSA bans all United States Armed Forces advertising in its publications until such a time that it allows people of all sexual orientations to serve openly in the United States Armed Forces.

Regarding Prescription Drug Reimportation:

BELIEVES that Canadian pharmacies, which are subject to similar quality control and chain of custody standards as the United States, have the ability to ensure the safety of prescription drugs.

SUPPORTS the reimportation of drugs from Canada, until equivalent pharmaceuticals are available at equal or lower prices in the United States.

RECOGNIZES that the Reimportation of drugs from Canada is a temporary step towards improving access to affordable drugs from pharmaceutical companies within the United States.

URGES the Food and Drug Administration to allow the Reimportation of prescription drugs and to provide procedures by which Canadian pharmacies may export drugs to the United States.