Annual Medical Education Conference 2011

By Jasmine Cruz
Jasmine was an undergraduate premedical student at The City College of New York in 2011.

AMEC 2011 Premed Luncheon
From Left to Right (top): Alexa Mieses, Martha Du (Hunter MAPS)
From Left to Right (bottom): Felicia Green, Jasmine Cruz, Anevay Robinson

The 2011 Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC) was held from April 20-24, 2011, in Indianapolis, Indiana. When I first learned that AMEC would be held in Indianapolis I was apprehensive because I thought nothing could top AMEC 2010 in Chicago. However, AMEC is an opportunity to meet students from your MAPS region to collaborate and share ideas. I met other premedical and medical students, doctors, and deans from across the country. Overall, AMEC is an opportunity to surround yourself with other students who share your goals.

I was part of a small group of CCNY MAPS members fortunate to attend the conference a second year (due to decreased funding). Since becoming an executive board member in 2010, this conference was a bit different for me than last year. At this conference, I was able to get involved with the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) at the national level. This year our chapter was very active during the House of Delegates and regional meetings. We discussed pressing issues, and voted candidates into office for the upcoming year.

The good thing about attending AMEC is that it keeps you focused. Throughout the academic year it is easy to get sidetracked or even discouraged by the chaos of school and work. When I attend the SNMA conference I feel motivated and I cannot wait to go home to get involved in MAPS. AMEC rejuvenates my passion for MAPS. In Indianapolis this year, I also learned more about being a doctor of osteopathic medicine and gained new contacts. I also had the opportunity to work on my personal essay and some of us participated in mock interviews.

MAPS Chapter of the Year 2011
AMEC 2011 Final Banquet
From Left to Right: Alexa Mieses, Anevay Robinson, Felicia Green, Jasmine Cruz

I truly loved being AMEC this year despite my initial expectations. It gave me the chance to get to better know my MAPS team locally, regionally and nationally. Also, our MAPS chapter at City College took home the title of Chapter of the Year! Not only did we congratulate Queens College for winning in 2010, but former President Alexa Mieses set a goal for us to win chapter of the year in 2011...and we succeeded! Region IX took the title home two years in a row! We work hard all year round and were fortunate to see our efforts pay off!