MINNEAPOLIS, August 21, 2008—The main business of the MMA’s Annual Meeting is the policy deliberations of the House of Delegates. But MMA members who are not involved in this heavy lifting have other ways to participate.

All members are invited to socialize and spend time with colleagues at the welcome reception that takes place on Wednesday night at 6 p.m. and includes a cash bar and appetizers. (Members are encouraged to register, but registration is not required.)

Members who are not delegates also can attend a host of events on Thursday, September 18.

At noon, the MMA will honor outstanding physicians at an Award Luncheon. The keynote speaker at the luncheon is Kimble Ross, a public affairs consultant and former lobbyist for the Texas Medical Association. He advises state and national officeholders and political candidates on health care policy and often lectures at universities, medical schools, and national conferences on the politics of health care policy.

After the luncheon, the MMA is offering three CME courses: How to Manage/Lead through Conflict; Transforming Primary Care: Developing Health Care Homes in Minnesota; and Motivational Interviewing: Facilitating Patient Behavior Change. There is no cost to attend the courses, but registration is required.

Click here to register online, or contact Vicki Westling at (612) 362-3764 or vwestling@mnmed.org.