The Michigan Delegation to the American Medical Association (AMA) hits the road to Chicago this weekend for a week at the AMA Annual meeting where they will support 17 Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) resolutions and two candidates for AMA leadership positions.

"This will be an intense week for every one of our Michigan delegates and alternates," said Bloomfield Hills anesthesiologist and MSMS past president James D. Grant, MD, chair of the 22-member Delegation. "MSMS members should be proud of the work these volunteer leaders do on their behalf."

Flint otolaryngologist and current MSMS Board chair Bobby Mukkamala, MD, is running for a four-year term on the AMA Board of Trustees. His campaign committee co-chaired by Flint pathologist and MSMS past president Cathy O. Blight, MD, and Grand Rapids obstetrician/gynecologist Domenic Federico, MD, have laid the groundwork for an effective election campaign.

MSMS President-elect Betty Chu, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer & Vice President of Medical Affairs at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, also will announce her candidacy this week for the AMA Council on Medical Service. Her election will take place in June 2018.

Resolutions going to the AMA from the MSMS House of Delegates in May include, among others:

• opposing direct-to-consumer marketing of the American Board of Medical Specialties Maintenance of Certification product in the form of print media, social media, apps, and websites that specifically target patients and their families.
• seeking revision and simplification of MACRA by highlighting the plight of small practices that will not be financially sustainable because of the cash flow problems MACRA will generate.
• exempting physicians from any current or future ban or suspension impacting immigration or the issuance of a J1 Visa or H1-B Visa.
• working to increase access to affordable naloxone.

An additional 11 Michigan resolutions will be submitted to the AMA Interim meeting in November.