MCMS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE and REQUEST FOR PARTICIPATION

“All Politics is Local,” Right?
Interested in what’s happening in Annapolis? Concerned about the decisions that are being made there which impact Medicine and your medical practice? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, we want you to become more involved in our grassroots legislative efforts. You may know a legislator, or be an expert on a certain issue that is likely to come before the Maryland Assembly this year, or just be an activist who wants to find a way of channeling your energy – regardless, we need you more involved in our legislative efforts, especially as a part of the Medical Society’s Legislative Committee.
Based on MedChi’s legislative agenda, the MCMS Legislative Committee and Board determine MCMS’s legislative priorities. This directs the efforts of the Society’s staff on behalf of MCMS members and their practices.
If you are interested in serving on the legislative committee, please let us hear from you! Email Susan D’Antoni, Executive Director, at sdantoni@montgomerymedicine.org or call 301.921.4300, ext. 13.

7th Annual MCMS Legislative Internship Offered During the 2008 Session
The MCMS is offering its 7th Annual Legislative Internship Program to physicians who have been active MCMS members for two years or more. The program offers participants the opportunity to spend a day in Annapolis with Montgomery County legislators in either the Maryland House or Senate during the 2008 Legislative session which begins in January and ends in April.
Physicians who have participated in the past say the experience offers an excellent opportunity to learn about the legislative process, meet and spend one-on-one-time with legislators, and have the opportunity to discuss issues vital to physicians practicing in Maryland. Legislators generally like the interns to come to Annapolis on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, during February or March.
If you’d like to learn more about the internship, please email Susan Raskin at sraskin@montgomerymedicine.org or call 301.921.4300, ext. 17 to get the details.

Volunteer Physicians Needed to Assist in First Aid Room in Annapolis
MedChi coordinates volunteer physicians to serve in the First Aid Room while the Assembly is in session in Annapolis. If you are interested in the MCMS Internship Program, you could be an intern in a legislator’s office and serve as the Physician of the Day at the same time.
Many physicians are needed to staff the First Aid Room. Your help is critically needed. It’s a wonderful community service, and it shows our support to the Assembly. To volunteer, call MedChi at 410-263-4035 or 301-858-5230.
 
Save the Date: MCMS Day in Annapolis March 5, 2008
Montgomery County Medical Society will travel to Annapolis on Wednesday, March 5th, to meet with members of the Montgomery County delegation to the Maryland Assembly. During the day, MCMS members will discuss issues of importance to Medicine with their own legislators. If you are interested in being a part of this important effort, please contact Susan D’Antoni at 301.921.4368 or by email at sdantoni@montgomerymedicine.org.
Details of the day will be communicated at a later time, but interested members should block out the whole day in order to allow time for travel, meetings with MedChi staff, meetings with the legislators, and lunch following.
We hope you will set aside March 5th. It is critical that MCMS have a good representation and demonstrate our interest in the political process, and advocate for your interests and your patients. 

We welcome your involvement in our legislative efforts. For more information about these, call 301.921.4300, ext. 13 or email sdantoni@montgomerymedicine.org.