What does a delegate do at Annual Meeting?
Delegates gather as the House of Delegates at the Annual Meeting. Their job is to be lawmakers for the MMA for one and a half days.
They vote on all the resolutions calling for MMA actions or policies that are put forward by component medical societies, specialty societies, and individuals.
In a typical year there are usually about 150 delegates. And they consider about 50 resolutions, listening to testimony in committee hearings and voting.
Delegates may testify before these reference committees, in support or in opposition to resolutions. Delegates may also submit resolutions themselves, either as individuals or through their component medical society, specialty society, or section.
On the final day of the meeting, delegates elect the officers for the year to come.
What if a person wanted to learn more about the House of Delegates?
The MMA has created a brief manual explaining the ins and outs.
Let's say I wanted to submit a resolution.
If you have an idea you would like to develop into a policy – or at least to have it given serious consideration – bring it to your component medical society, specialty society, or section.
The MMA has a guide to help you develop your resolution and a worksheet titled "How to Write a Resolution" that explains the process step by step.
Don’t be put off by the formal language, the "whereases" and so forth. MMA staff help with construction of the resolution, so that it is in accord with existing MMA and AMA policies.
The deadline for submitting a resolution this year is Friday, July 2, 2010.
Where and when will this year's Annual Meeting be held?
2010 Annual Meeting
September 15-17, 2009
Breezy Point Resort Near Brainerd, MN (map)
Here is a typical annual meeting schedule:
Wednesday
It all starts Wednesday afternoon. Physicians check in, familiarize themselves with the hotel, then attend a welcome reception. After the reception, the House of Delegates is called to order for an opening session.
How do MMA officers get chosen?
In the spring there is a nomination period, in which every member is invited to put forth the names of physicians they feel would do a good job at the key positions:
- MMA President-elect
- Secretary-treasurer
- Speaker, MMA House of Delegates
- Vice speaker, MMA House of Delegates
- Trustees
- AMA delegation
If you are interested in being considered for an MMA office or if you would like to recommend a colleague to the committee, contact MMA CEO Robert Meiches, M.D., at rmeiches@mnnmed.org.
At the Annual Meeting, you will receive an Election Guide like this one that explains who the candidates are.
What do these officers do?
- The President-elect is a backup to the President, who serves as the MMA's main spokesperson. The president-elect is inaugurated president at the annual meeting the following year.
- The Secretary-Treasurer manages the financial affairs of the association, and chairs the Committee on Administration & Finance.
- The Speaker presides at House of Delegates meetings, assisted by the Vice Speaker.
- Trustees manage the affairs of the MMA and set policy between sessions of the House of Delegates.
- The AMA Delegation takes part in the American Medical Association House of Delegates deliberations, representing Minnesota physicians in setting policy.
Thursday
Much of Thursday is business. Component society caucuses start early – at 7 a.m.
Then the references committees hold open hearings. There are usually four reference committees, each devoted to a different range of issues.
An awards lunch follows the reference committee hearings, followed by a choice of CME workshops. In previous years, members learned about health care quality, advocating for the public health, and improving communications skills.
MEDPAC, the political arm of Minnesota physicians, has an early evening meeting that is followed by a reception.
And the evening is taken up by the inauguration of the new president. The inaugural includes a wonderful dinner, some of the most important awards, exhibits to view, and the actual inaugural ceremony.
What are reference committees?
Reference committees consist of about five physicians who listen to delegates express their opinions on the resolutions.
Delegates come to hear the debate and form their opinions. Then the reference committee goes into executive session and writes a report with recommendations for action by the House of Delegates.
The House of Delegates can recommend to adopt, not adopt, refer to the Board, amend, or adopt a substitute resolution.
It is always interesting to see physician colleagues taking strong stands on issues that mean a lot to them. And the skills they acquire help them be stronger advocates for patient health year-round.
Friday
Friday morning the component medical societies meet to caucus. The Metro societies caucus in one group, the caucuses from Greater Minnesota in another. Afterward the second session of the House of Delegates begins. At noon there is a lunch for working delegates.
Then Annual Meeting is over, and delegates go home knowing they did a ton of work, and had a great time besides.
Does being a delegate really make any difference?
Yes. Delegates set the course of action for the MMA. Debating and voting for resolutions have a ripple effect, providing guidance to other leaders and opinion-makers, while improving the health of all Minnesotans.
So how do I sign up!
Easy: present yourself to your component medical society, specialty society, or section. A phone call will do it. If you don't have your CMS phone number handy, see our list at this link. Say, "I've never been a delegate before. But I want to get involved."
The good news is, every MMA member is one hundred percent welcome to take part!