SGIM is now accepting nominations for the Associate Representative on Council. The associate member represents medical students, residents, and trainees on the governing body of the Society, and provides the voice of the next generation of generalists in national leadership.
I recently completed the two-year term as the associate representative on Council, and I highly encourage others to apply for this worthwhile experience. I found that serving on Council allowed me to develop leadership skills, make connections to SGIM leaders and mentors across the country, and provided a good window into healthcare policy on the national scene -- especially as it pertains to our primary care patients and general internal medicine.
This was also an amazing way to give back through service to an organization that has been a source of inspiration, mentorship, and enjoyment in academic internal medicine.
This is an exciting time for trainees of our generation interested in primary care, and there is a lot to do as an associate member within the organization and on the national scene. SGIM is making new partnerships with other training organizations to help foster the primary care pipeline, and increase our presence and awareness in medical schools.
I am especially proud of the work we accomplished during my first year on Council as we undertook a major communications initiative that culminated in the launch of our new SGIM website, our new social networking site GIM Connect (http://connect.sgim.org), and a new external communications strategy. I am hopeful that our refreshed image will help tell other trainees about our mission and our work, and that GIM Connect will foster collaborations and mentorship all across the country. This will directly benefit all of our members, but especially our associate members as they make connections to advance their work and careers.
The commitment required is to attend monthly conference calls, and two in-person retreats. As with most other programs of SGIM, I instantly felt like a welcome part of the group, and I felt that my contributions were heard and appreciated both as they pertain to current trainees and also to the future of general internal medicine.
I encourage you all to self nominate for this position. If I can answer any questions or you would like to discuss this further, I am available to discuss by email or phone anytime.
Brad Crotty
bcrotty [ a t ] bidmc.harvard.edu
Mapping the Future of General Medicine - From a December Council Retreat