105138239-MM2013-USA-Official-Invitation-Package

							Official Invitation Package
             Content
                    Introduction
                I. President’s Letter
      II. Letter from Organizing Committee

                    Programming
III. Theme: Advocacy & The Physician-in-Training
            IV. Venue and Accommodation
                  V. Social Program
                     VI. PreGAs
      VII. PostGA - AMSA’s Annual Convention

          Registration and Logistics
               VIII. Registration
                    IX. Visas
                    X. Travel

                 Contact
    XI. MM2013 USA Organizing Committee
                XII. Contact
I. Letter from our National President, AMSA-USA
September 5, 2012

Dear IFMSA Leaders,

It is with great excitement and anticipation that we invite you to join
us for March Meeting 2013 USA, March 5-17, 2013. For nearly a
year, our Organizing Committee has been working hard to ensure
delegates have a unique and unforgettable U.S. experience.

Much like IFMSA, for more than sixty years, AMSA-USA has
inspired future physicians through education and advocacy. In this
context, our theme, Advocacy and the Physician-in-Training, has
been selected in the hope of celebrating our past - and future - by
promoting the value and importance of physician advocacy in improving health
worldwide.

In addition to thematic programming and training throughout MM 2013 USA, we also
hope to provide ample opportunities for action on the global health issues about which
we - as medical student leaders, as national member organizations and as a Federation
- are most passionate. From access to medicines to global health workforce to social
determinants of health to universal health care, it is critical that we, as the next
generation of physicians, come together to make our voices heard.

On behalf of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA-USA) and the MM 2013
USA Organizing Committee, we welcome you to the United States. As you prepare for
MM 2013 USA, if the Organizing Committee can be of any assistance, please do not
hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,




Elizabeth Wiley, MD, JD, MPH
National President, AMSA-USA
Honorary Co-Chair, MM2013 USA Organizing Committee
pres@amsa.org
II. Letter from the Organizing Committee
September 5. 2012

Dear IFMSA and other leaders,

What an honor it is for AMSA-USA to
be hosting next March’s IFMSA
General Assembly. Over the past ten
months, the organizing committee has
been envigorously working to ensure a
world-class event.

We are expecting this to be a general assembly for the record books with anticipation
for 2,500 attendees during the overlap. With this in mind, there is great potential for this
event to change the federation, make a difference in our world. In terms of our theme,
Advocacy & The Physician-in-Training, our attendees will gain the tools necessary to go
back to their local communities and voice change. Think Global, Act Local. There could
not be a more exciting message to get out in this ever-changing world health system.

The AMSA way is all about advocacy and leading by example. Through our missions,
students learn that it takes more than medical school to make a physician. Being a
physician is a devotion to service, a devotion to your patients. The fully-empowered
healer not only strives to better the health of the people they see in their office. They
realize bettering their policies, their environment, their ideas can make an even greater
push towards healing the same number one. The patient.

This being the first time AMSA-USA hosts a general assembly, be prepared for a
historic and very special event. We love the federation, and we are excited, oh so
excited to fuel the passions of us all. See you all in the United States.

In good health,




Kyle Swinsky & Jerry Abraham, MPH
Co-Chairs, MM2013 USA Organizing Committee
MM2013@amsa.org or kswinsky@amsa.org
III. Advocacy & The Physician-in-Training


AMSA-USA’s MM2013 theme,
Advocacy and the Physician-in-
Training, represents our hope to
further empower our capable
IFMSA members with tools to
improve health care by using our
public voice to shape the policies
that influence our profession.
AMSA has a long history of
attracting speakers who are
leaders in public policy,
government, or their respective scientific fields; with the additional influence
of IFMSA, we expect to draw world-class speakers to MM2013.


PreGAs                                                 March 5-9, 2013
General Assembly                                       March 9-15, 2013
PostGA (AMSA-USA National Convention)                  March 14-17, 2013



                                 For attendees who already have causes
                                which they are passionate about, we will
                                coordinate hands-on workshops for
                                attendees to gain advocacy training with a
                                specific focus on key issues in global health,
                                professional development, medical
                                professionalism, student well-being, public
                                health, and more.
                              This event will be a historic as we hope to
                              bring together more than 2,500 health
                              students for the IFMSA General Assembly
                              and AMSA-USA’s National Convention. The
                              General Assembly will be held at the
                              Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel and
                              Walter E. Washington Convention Center.




As part of the General Assembly theme of Advocacy & the Physician-in-
Training, programming sessions with address:

  •   Access to Medicines & Conflict of
      Interest
  •   Global Health Workforce
  •   Social Determinants of Health
  •   Comparative Health Systems
  •   Global Health Governance
  •   Innovations in Global Health


MM2013 USA will also feature:

  •   Opening Ceremony
  •   Closing Ceremony featuring speakers such as Patch Adams, MD
  •   IFMSA Project Fair
  •   IFMSA Standing Committee Sessions
  •   Health Innovations Fair
  •   Training Sessions
IV. Venue and Accommodations
The Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel is our official General Assembly
hotel and conference venue. The hotel is located in a vibrant business
center alive with activities, wide variety of restaurants and shops to explore.
Just a short walk to the Inner Harbor, you can experience Baltimore’s
exciting life and entertainment. With over 30,000 square feet of flexible
meeting space and 706 guest rooms, our venue can accommodate
conferences from 1,000 people or more.

Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel
101 West Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21201-3757
Telephone: 410-752-1100
IV. Venue and Accommodations (continued)


We also will be hosting our General Assembly concurrently with AMSA’s
Annual Convention at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in
Washington, DC. On Thursday, March 14, IFMSA delegates will be
provided transportation to the Convention Center from the Sheraton.
V. Social Program
Our social program will be a unique twist on the typical IFMSA General
Assembly in that we hope to offer options tailored to our entire diverse
federation. We will surprise you with our glitz and glam by bringing you a
memorable nightlife experience, capture your hearts by showcasing our
many cultures and unique heritages that our the fabric of our country, and
inspire your creatively, spiritually and intellectually by offering you a taste of
every aspect of Washington D.C. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable
U.S.A. experience




VI. PreGAs
Based on feedback from NMOs, MM2013 USA will offer preGAs in two
locations: DC/Baltimore and New York City. By offering a selection of pre-
GA locations, our hope is to enable delegates to experience the diverse
culture of the United States. PreGA dates and fees can be found elsewhere
in this document.
VII. Post-GA: AMSA-USA’s National Convention


Have you completed a project in the last year
and want to showcase your work to your peers
and mentors? As part of the Post-GA, IFMSA
delegates are invited to submit their work to the
AMSA-USA’s 18th Annual Competitive Poster
Session. Deadlines for abstract submission are
October 1, 2012 and November 1, 2012.



                                     AMSA-USA’s Annual Convention also
                                     features a residency and specialty
                                     fair as well as fantastic programming
                                     tracks including: Career & Professional
                                     Development; International Health;
                                     Professionalism, Wellness & Society;
                                     Advocacy and Public Health.



      You will not want to miss AMSA-USA’s Annual Convention.
VIII. Registration
Registration is scheduled to open by Wednesday, September 12 and will
be accessible at amsa.org/mm2013.Registration fees are in USD.

Early Registration Fees
DEADLINE: December 15, 2012
A + B Countries: $131.12
C + D Countries: $236.02 + $13.13 (TAF)
E + F Countries: $301.58 + $32.78 (TAF)

Late Registration Fees
DEADLINE: January 15, 2013
A + B Countries: $386.81 + $32.78 (8+
Tax)
C + D Countries: $472.04 + $13.13 (TAF)
+ $32.78 (8+ Tax)
E + F Countries: $557.26 + $32.78 (TAF) +
$32.78 (8+ Tax)

Observers/Externals: $590.00


                                               PreGA Fees
                                               DC/Baltimore: $395.00
                                               New York City: $495.00

                                               For information about the
                                               country categories, visit
                                               World Bank Country
                                               Classifications.

NMO Presidents will receive notification of each delegate’s
registration. NMO Presidents must approve each delegate in the
registration system before delegates will be officially registered. Payment
for delegates should be coordinated through NMOs.

Special thanks to Ben Skov Kaas-Hansen and IMCC-Denmark for
assistance with the MM 2013 USA registration system.
IX. Visas
A valid passport is required for all persons (regardless of nationality) to
enter the United States. In addition, citizens from other nations visiting the
United States must obtain a visitor visa (B1/B2) unless they are from one of
the 36 countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program in Groups B and C.
We have provided general guidance and resources to assist you, but
ultimately it is your responsibility to find out the requirements and obtain
entry to the U.S.

Group A

Delegates from these countries MUST
obtain a visa. Delegates from the
NMOs are advised to apply for a visa at
least 90 days in advance of MM2013.
For delegates requiring a letter of
invitation, the OC will coordinate
appropriate documentation. Wait times
and visa processing times are available
at Temporary Visitors to the US –
Interview & Appointments

Foreign nationals who need an entry visa are requested to apply to the U.S.
Embassy in their countries.

Please consider the following steps:

   1. Check your passport. It should be at least six months valid after your
      departure in the U.S.
   2. Review your visa status and find out if you need a U.S. visa or a
      renewal.
   3. If you need a visa, visit the U.S. Department of State website for
      specific instructions.
   4. Review the visa wait time information for interview appointments and
      visa process at the U.S. Each country has different wait time and visa
      requirements. It is suggested that you also call the U.S. Embassy,
      explain the purpose of your visit and verify the specific requirements.
      If an
     invitation letter is required, ask if IFMSA should send it directly to the
     U.S. Embassy or if this can be presented during the interview. The
     invitation letter will be sent out two weeks after completing
     registration.

  5. Complete visa application and set up your interview appointment. Be
     prepared to bring the all required documents during the interview.




We highly recommend that you visit www.travel.state.gov for additional
information and plan on applying for a visa at least three months before
arrival in the U.S. Some countries require additional time for visa
processing.

Group B: Delegates from these countries are eligible for the Visa
Waiver Program and do not require a visa.

Group C: Delegates from these countries do not require a traditional
visa. Delegates from Mexico will require a DSP-150 (Boarding
Crossing Card/”Laser” visa + B1/B2 visa).

X. Travel
All delegates are encouraged to fly into Baltimore-Washington International
Airport (BWI). BWI is served by many international carriers.
Transportation to/from the MM 2013 USA venue will only be provided
to/from BWI by the OC for delegates.

Please Note: Delegates flying into Reagan National Airport (DCA) or
Dulles International Airport (IAD) will be responsible for transportation
to/from the MM 2013 venue. The OC will not provide transportation to/from
these airports.
XI. MM2013 USA Organizing Committee


Elizabeth Wiley, MD, JD, MPH, AMSA National President & Honorary Chair
         Jerry P Abraham, MPH, MM2013 USA Co-Chair & CEO
             Kyle Swinsky, MM2013 USA Co-Chair & COO
                Dan Rhee, AMSA-USA Secretary General




                    Samy Bendjemi, Programming
                       Krithi Srinivasan, Visas
                Jim Curry, Marketing & Communications
                     Nida Degesys, Registration

            Jaime Thayer (staff), Business & Development
                  Diana Leckie (staff), GA Logistics
           Margaret Jambrosky (staff), Pre-GA Coordinator
                Jeff Koetje, MD (staff), Programming
             Sandy Frider (staff), Sales & Sponsorships
XII. Contact Us


             American Medical Student Association
     45610 Woodland Road - Suite 300, Sterling, Virginia 20166
          Phone: (703) 620-6600    Fax: (703) 620-6445

     MM2013 USA | Jerry P Abraham, MPH and Kyle Swinsky
        mm2013usa@amsa.org and kswinsky@amsa.org

  Elizabeth Wiley, AMSA-USA National President – pres@amsa.org

     Dan Rhee, AMSA-USA Secretary General – sg@amsa.org

           Krithi Srinivason, Visas – visas@amsa.org
       Nida Degesy, Registration – mm2013reg@amsa.org
             Jim Curry, Marketing – nore@amsa.org
    Samy Bendjemil, Programming, global.socialaction@amsa.org


              AMSA Event & Business Development
    Jamie Thayer, (Finances)              jthayer@amsa.org
     Diana Leckie                       dleckie@amsa.org
     Margaret Jamborsky             mjamborsky@amsa.org




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