GSA - Message from the MAS National Chair

Welcome to the Group on Student Affairs-Minority Affairs Section (MAS) of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The MAS was established in recognition of the essential role minority issues play within academic medical centers. The purpose of the MAS is to serve in an advisory and resource capacity, to all facets of the AAMC, on issues of minority concern at national and regional levels. The MAS accomplishes its purpose by:

• providing a means by which minority constituent views on matters of interest to the AAMC may find expression;
• assisting and facilitating in the development and implementation of methodologies that will enhance the recruitment, enrollment, retention, and postgraduate education of minority medical students;
• providing a means of interchange of ideas and perceptions between minority educators and administrators and others concerned with medical education;
• identifying and advising the AAMC on matters of importance relating to minority affairs for consideration by the AAMC governance;
• creating and distributing guidelines, position statements, and documents on a variety of relevant and important topics for use by Minority Affairs administrators in their positions at their individual medical schools;
• planning and implementing professional development conferences; and
• collecting data and disseminating information on issues of importance to MAS representatives and their institutions.

The objectives and goals of the MAS are rooted in the AAMC's commitment to increase diversity in medical education and improve health care equity in the United States. I would like to take this opportunity to call each and every one of you to action to get involved with the MAS, now! What a great and exciting time it is for each of you to share your ideas, your expertise and join (or re-join) the great work of the MAS. Whether you prefer to work at the regional level, the national level or both, the MAS needs your energy and talent. I strongly encourage you to contact your regional or national leadership with questions, comments, suggestions or complaints. The MAS and AAMC provide an excellent opportunity for you to network, mentor, serve, learn, and lead. You can make a difference as we move ahead to face new challenges and new hopes for the future.

Cynthia E. Boyd, M.D., MBA, FACP
Associate Vice-President, Chief Compliance Officer
Director, Medical Staff Operations, Rush University Medical Center
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Rush Medical College
MAS National Chair 2007-2009