Physician Advocacy – The Hennepin Medical Society (HMS) and the Ramsey Medical Society (RMS) realize our role in advocating on behalf of our members. We therefore actively engage, communicate, and educate legislators about issues that are of concern to our members. Members have opportunities throughout the year to listen to and dialogue with local elected officials and some of their key staff members. These encounters are organized by RMS and/or HMS and are encouraged by society leadership.
Issue briefs and talking points are prepared by society staff and contracted lobbyists for use by our members to better understand the issues, or to use when they are meeting with their elected officials. Advocacy activities are closely coordinated with the Minnesota Medical Association (MMA).
HMS and RMS realize there is strength in numbers, so we serve as the lead organizations on the Minnesota Provider Coalition, which is a committee comprised of 20 provider organizations all working toward the same goals. We have been successful in introducing and passing legislation to the betterment of our members.
Opportunities
1. Join a Committee
Members can develop their skills in various leadership and volunteer roles through HMS and RMS. Both societies have a number of committees and councils that provide numerous opportunities for member physicians to get involved in activities and issues that are important to them and contribute to the medical profession.
The societies also assist the MMA in selecting members to each of the MMA's committees and task forces.
2. Serve as a Delegate
On an annual basis, each society organizes caucuses for the Annual Meeting of the House of Delegates of the Minnesota Medical Association. Members of the Delegation have the opportunity to develop resolutions for submission to the MMA and in turn set policy for organized medicine in Minnesota. This is a very important process and helps to guide the work that is done by the state association.
3. Participate in Smoke Free Efforts
Both HMS and RMS are deeply involved in the smoke free activities across the metro, and have successfully engaged our members to testify at hearings, write letters to the editor, meet with elected officials and participate in press conferences. HMS members helped to secure comprehensive ordinances in Minneapolis, Golden Valley, Edina, Bloomington and Hennepin County. RMS members helped secure smoke-free ordinances in St. Paul and Ramsey County. RMS continues to work on smoke-free initiatives in Dakota County.
Information – Members are able to stay informed of current news that affects physicians as members of the healthcare community. We provide this service to our members through electronic updates and the print publications of our joint magazine, MetroDoctors.
Products and Services – Products for individuals and clinics are available to members at a reduced rate. These include group and individual insurance products, automobile leases, commercial laundry and linens, and coffee supplies, to name a few.
Continuing Medical Education – Join other physicians in receiving CME credits by attending seminars and the annual Winter Medical Conference, or by hearing interesting speakers throughout the metro area.
Collegial Relationships – Members can expect to expand their network of local physician contacts. RMS and HMS have a combined membership in excess of 6,500.
Community Connection – Participate in community events and Foundation fundraising activities like golf tournaments and silent auctions to raise money benefiting local charities such as Health Care for the Homeless or the Minnesota Visiting Nurses Association. |
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