AMA-RPS POLICY PROMOTION GRANTS FREE

In 1992, the AMA-RPS instituted a Policy Promotion Grant program that was endorsed by the AMA's House of Delegates. The program awards grants of up to $500 to resident and fellow physicians who initiate, or are involved in, projects that further AMA policy. Grants were recently awarded to the following participants.

Suzanne J. White, MD, was awarded a grant to help develop a day camp for asthmatic children. Together with the American Lung Association of Central California, Dr White organized Camp Discovery, where children were taught how to prevent asthmatic episodes through environmental controls, to minimize the severity of attacks by responding to early warning signs, to understand and adhere to their prescribed therapy, and to help them express their needs to peers, parents, and health care personnel. Approximately 25 children between the ages of 6 and 10 years participated in the 1-week program.

Sue Sisley, MD, was awarded a grant to help underwrite the expense of producing and performing a play entitled The Think It Through Review. The script emphasizes sexual abstinence and teaches adolescents about the risks of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The play was performed at numerous middle schools, churches, and community events throughout Arizona. After each performance, the audience was given an opportunity to ask questions. Videotapes of the play are available through the AMA Department of Resident and Fellow Services.

Richard Pan, MD, was awarded a grant to help sponsor a Legislative Education Workshop for medical students, resident physicians, and other young physicians. The workshop's goals are to teach practical skills for effectively communicating with legislators and to encourage residents and students to get involved in legislative advocacy. It included a panel discussion of legislative issues in Massachusetts and role-playing sessions on meeting with legislators. Panelists included Sen Mark Montigny and Rep John Stefanini.

Srihari Gopal, MD, was awarded a grant to help fund a biannual health fair for indigent patients in Houston, Tex. Patients received blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and depression screenings at no cost. Dr Gopal also set up a display table to promote organ donation.

Any resident or fellow physician interested in initiating a project that will further any AMA policy set forth in the AMA Policy Compendium can apply for a grant. Residents must complete an application and include relevant support documentation. Applications are available from the AMA Department of Resident and Fellow Services by mail at 515 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610, telephone at (312) 464-4751, or e-mail at rps@ama-assn.org.

A committee consisting of 7 AMA staff members and 1 resident physician reviews the applications. Applications must be endorsed by the state medical society in which the applicant resides. Grant checks are sent to the state medical society, which dispenses funds to the appropriate organization. (Grant checks cannot be made out to individual residents.) Grant recipients are required to submit a program evaluation to the AMA after completing the program.

Contact Gloria Robertson of the AMA-RFS at (312) 464-5529 or at gloria_robertson@ama-assn.org with any questions regarding the Policy Promotion Grant program.