American Medical Association (AMA)
Welcome to Rush AMA
The Rush Chapter of the American Medical Association (AMA) is committed to serving the community, nationally representing the student body, and advocating for health education, health policy, and access to health care. The foundation of this local chapter is community involvement. There are many opportunities to volunteer as well as become a committee leader.
General Assembly Meetings: We have monthly meetings for our members where we discuss upcoming events and leadership opportunities. Look out for an email with more details.
To sign up as an AMA Member and recieve free gifts (subscription to JAMA, Stedman's Medical Dictionary, and a brand-new Stethoscope): Please contact Jennifer_Rai@rush.edu
To take on a Leadership Position: Please contact one of the Chairs in your area of interest (below)
Questions/Comments/Concerns: Please contact Jaspreet_Thiara@rush.edu Read More »
Rush AMA Executive Board
Secretary ............................................................. Jaspreet Thiara
Treasurer ............................................................. Pooja Oza
Health Policy & Legislation Chair ........................... Robin Douglas
Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS)
Rush Alternate Delegate ........................................ Pooja Oza
Chicago Medical Society (CMS)
CMS M2 Representative ......................................... Robin Douglas CMS M2 Representative ......................................... Becky Free
CMS M1 Representative ......................................... Meg Grala CMS M1 Representative ......................................... Sandra Goyal
Obesity Awarness: Health Education at Kings Elementary School
Last February, a group of AMA members held an obesity awareness event for sixth graders at Kings Elementary School in Chicago. Our outreach made them aware of healthier food options, the importance of exercise, and portion control.
AMA Dinner Lecture: Healthcare for the Uninsured
In April, we invited two senior economists from AMA to speak about the organization's resolution to cover the uninsured. Clara Willis spoke about AMA's plan for health care reform for the uninsured, and Monica Horton, discussed the State Children's Healthcare Insurance Program (SCHIP) which provides health insurance to uninsured children of low-wage working parents.
Referrals at RU Caring Health Fair
In May, Rush AMA partnered with RU Caring, the largest community outreach program on campus, to provide referrals to local clinics in Chicago during the city-wide United Center Health Fair. This health fair serviced over 500 patients who were either uninsured, under-served, or homeless. Two weeks after the fair, we followed up with these patients via phone to ensure that they were successful in reaching their nearby clinic for routine care. It is noteworthy that this event garnered our chapter national recognition with the title of an Outstanding Community Service Project (we were one of three schools that received this prestigious award).
Summer Community Service Events
In July, we organized two service projects. One of the Rush faculty members told us about a mother of a 2 year old child with severe asthma who needed some dusting in her home. Because of her child's sickness and financial situation, she did not have the time to do it herself. With the help of four volunteers, we went to her house and cleaned the baseboards and the carpets. Later that month, we also heard that a classroom at a nearby free clinic, Merillac House, needed all of the children's toys bleached and sterilized so that they were safe for the children to play with. And again, we gathered up our volunteers and spent an evening cleaning toys.
Medical School Showdown
In October, we partnered up with UIC AMA to put on a huge sports tournament for students from all the medical schools in Chicago, including Rush, UIC, Loyola, Northwestern, CMS, and University of Chicago, to raise money for a community clinic. We had many events including: 3 on 3 basketball tournament, racquetball tournament, dodge ball tournament, swimming, sprints (50 and 100 meter), elliptical race (first to 4,000 strides), stair-master race (first to 60 floors), and many more. Participants were asked to pay $5 per event and received a free T-shirt and a pizza dinner for their involvement. Rush won the Gold Medal, for having the most first place winners from all the various tournaments. At the end of the night, we raised over $850 which we denoted to Community Health Clinic, a free clinic that is committed to serving the uninsured and underserved population in the city of Chicago.
Clothing & Holiday Gift Drives
Recently, we held both a university-wide Clothing Drive (November) and a Holiday Gift Drive (December) where, with the support of our classmates, we gathered over 300 winter items and 70 brand new toys which we donated to Franciscan Shelter and the Salvation Army. Thank you to all who donated; we really appreciate your support.
