About the SMS

Established in 1976 to serve as a forum for discussing and disseminating information, the Section on Medical Schools provides all US medical schools with an opportunity to participate in the formulation of policy and to express Section opinions through debate and a vote in the AMA's House of Delegates.

The Section has grown from an initial membership of 280 representatives to approximately 600.  Representatives of the Section, from each LCME- and AOA-accredited medical school, consists of the dean or the dean's designate, two representatives selected by the dean, one representative selected by the faculty, and one representative from an affiliated graduate medical education program selected by the dean.  Any AMA member with a faculty appointment at an LCME- or AOA-accredited medical school can elect to be a member of the Section. Twenty at-large members, representing the interests of graduate and continuing medical education, also comprise the Section.  The Section meets semi-annually in conjunction with the Annual and Interim Meetings of the AMA House of Delegates.

The Section plays an increasing role in developing AMA policy of concern to medical schools on such issues as education, patient care, and clinical research. In addition, Section representatives have participated in various AMA initiatives such as the AMA Initiative to Transform Medical Education (ITME) designed for major stakeholders interested in promoting excellence in patient care by reforming the currrent medical education and training system.

As health care system changes continue to confront medical educators, and as interaction between academic and community physicians increases, the Section will provides a forum for discussing issues of common concern. As part of the AMA, which serves as a national forum for all of medicine, the Section is uniquely positioned to address key education and practice issues affecting physicians and their patients.