In 1996, AMWA was contacted by the AMA Advisory Panel on Women Physician Issues, and asked to represent AMWA at their meeting. The initial charge was to increase the participation of women in the AMA as well as to develop programs that would benefit women physicians/students/residents.
AMWA helped to develop what eventually became the AMA – Women’s Physician Section in which all women AMA members are now automatically members of the WPC. With the work done by Debra Judelson, MD and others, AMWA was instrumental in the development of the Women’s Physician Congress (WPC) which became the Women’s Physicians Section.
The alternate delegate is appointed by AMWA for a term that will start in June, 2026 at the AMA Annual Meeting and will conclude 4 years later when the alternate delegate can move to the position as “Delegate” if approved by AMWA and if the physician is wiling to serve for the 4 year term as delegate.
As the alternate delegate the physician will represent AMWA forcefully and with confidence ensuring the continuity of an AMWA presence and a strong AMWA voice at the AMA.
As the alternate delegate the physician will be present at the AMA Annual Meeting, held in Chicago during the month of June each year as well as the interim meetings held in November of each year at various locations. The physician will be present for the duration of the meetings and be present at all meetings in which resolutions are being presented and that require input or a vote as the resolutions relate to the initiatives of AMWA.
The alternate delegate will participate in the AMA Annual Meeting each June from 2026-2030 and will assume the position as Delegate at the conclusion of that 2030 annual meeting.
The alternate delegate will be responsible for expenses related to the meeting that are in excess of the $1000 per meeting provided by AMWA.
The alternate delegate will participate with the transition plan – an “AMA-AMWA Delegate-Ready Program” – a mentorship program to introduce the new alternate delegate to the various aspects of how the AMA conducts its business and how the AMWA alternate delegate can continue AMWA’s strong voice and presence. Dr. Neelum Agarwal will be the mentor in this program providing information for advocacy efforts at the AMA-HOD meetings and the process of drafting and reviewing resolutions.
The alternate delegate will provide, with the delegate, a written quarterly report that will be submitted to the Board of Directors to be included in the minutes and agenda. These would be required by June 30, September Interim Meeting, and December 30.
Deadline to Apply: January 15, 2026