Young Physicians Steering Committee

2007 YPS Luncheon - September 25

The major goal of the Kentucky Medical Association Young Physicians Steering Committee is to strengthen the value of young physician membership by (1) enhancing young physician practice of medicine, including the transition into practice; (2) facilitating the participation of young physicians in policy development and other activities of the AMA and the KMA; and (3) promoting young physician leadership throughout organized medicine.

The committee was formed in 1986 specifically to focus on the concerns of physicians under age 40 or in their first five years of practice. Heather Harmon, MD, Louisville, is the current Chair of the KMA YPS Committee and serves as its Delegate to the AMA YPS.

The voice of young physicians is vital to KMA's campaign for meaningful medical liability reform which will have a huge impact on our future practice. Stay informed of the issues and join us in our grassroots campaign.

Tips for Effective Lobbying

Technology has provided us with a range of opportunities to make our voices heard.  When time is of the essence, e-mail, faxes and telephone calls are effective ways to communicate your ideas and positions on issues with legislators.  The following tips may help in presenting your views.

• Be specific.  Indicate which bill or issue you are addressing.
• Get to the point.  Do you support or oppose this bill.
• Know your issue.  Provide concrete, credible information on the legislation's impact.
• Act promptly.  Good letters and emails arriving after a vote are useless.
• Personalize.  Write an original letter using personal stationery (avoid form letters/emails).
• Keep it brief.  One page letters/emails have more impact than long ones.
• Follow-up.  When legislators do what you ask, send a thank you.

Additional lobbying tips can be found on the AMA-YPS Web site.  For up to the minute information on active issues, visit KMA's Legislative Action Center - issues and legislation, legislative alerts, contact your legislators and more. 

Benefits of Membership Overview of Services that gives your practice an advantage in the practice of medicine.	Legislative Links Direct access to state and federal officials, as well as up-to-date alerts on legislative issues.
Billing/Technology Information and resources addressing billing/technology issues including tips on hiring billing and clearinghouse vendors, collecting copays and deductibles, and using the Internet in a physician practice.	News and Communications The latest health-related news is posted regularly on KMA's home page.
Patient Awareness Information and resources addressing a host of legal issues to consider as part of the physician/patient relationship, including some resources for patients such as sample living wills and other documents.	Health Plan Information Direct links to 7 health plan web sites including AdminaStar.
HIPAA Information includes sample documents to assist practices in complying with HIPAA.	AMA Young Physicians Section
Join your county, Join your state, then Join the nation: Become a member of the American Medical Association.
Feedback The KMA Young Physicians Steering Committee would like to hear from you. E-mail us your concerns, questions or issues you would like us to address. If you would be interested in serving on this Committee, let us know.

Kentucky Medical Association 4965 US Hwy 42, Ste 2000 Louisville, KY 40222
502) 426-6200 Fax (502) 426-6877 email member@kyma.org