Something for everyone at MSV

7 March 2011

If you are interested in patient care, quality improvement, leadership development, community service or volunteerism, the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) has various ways for you to get involved.

Through the MSV Foundation (MSVF), physicians have the opportunity to join the program or development committees in which new ideas for programs are developed and through which necessary funds are raised to support those initiatives. Service on these committees offers the chance to learn more about MSVF and is a great way to prepare for those who aspire to service on the MSVF board.

The MSVF program committee is responsible for the creation of several remarkable programs such as DocRxRelief, TO GOAL and IMPACT, and is a hotbed of ideas for the future. Physicians who are specifically interested in these programs and quality improvement and patient care initiatives should contact MSVF at foundation@msv.org.

In order to bring these outstanding ideas to life, MSVF has to raise the financial resources required to support the programs. The development committee focuses on identifying and obtaining funding to support these initiatives from a variety of sources including individuals, corporations and other foundations. This committee also works on the silent auction held in conjunction with the Foundation’s Physician’s Gala. Like with the program committee, if you are interested in helping, please contact foundation@msv.org. And, if you are interested in learning more about the Foundation’s activities, be sure to check out its Facebook page.

MSV also has its political action committee, MSVPAC, which works to elect legislators who will help make Virginia the best place for medicine – for physicians and patients. We need legislators in office who can look out for the best interests of physicians, but we can’t do it without your voice, your support. MSVPAC helps physicians connect with legislators who share MSV's priorities. MSVPAC has opportunities for physicians to help with political fundraising, as well as hosting and attending event for legislators. For information about these opportunities, e-mail msvpac@msv.org.  

If you are interested in serving on a state board, MSV is currently seeking candidates for several appointment opportunities. Click here to see what opportunities there are for MSV members who are willing to serve a multi-year term.

MSVF has also been very involved in helping physicians find meaningful volunteer opportunities by creating an eGroup on MSVConnect (login required) where physicians can post and learn about medical volunteer needs around the world.

Physicians and their spouses can also network, volunteer and participate in community service programs through the MSV Alliance and its various local chapters around the commonwealth. Any Virginia physician or spouse/domestic partner of a physician may join the Alliance, and local, grass-roots involvement is encouraged.

Examples of local Alliance initiatives include the Danville-Pittsylvania Medical Society Alliance’s health fair, Roanoke Academy of Medicine Alliance’s Annual Book and Author dinner, the Richmond Academy of Medicine Alliance’s antique show, the Fauquier Alliance’s participation in Relay for Life, the Rockingham County Alliance’s holiday market and the Virginia Beach Medical Society Alliance’s golf tournament. Some events provide direct services to the community such as in-school programs like Hands Are Not for Hitting and I Can Handle Bullies. Others generate proceeds that are used to support local organizations like free clinics, local Project Access programs and domestic violence shelters, and are also used in some areas to fund medically-related scholarships. Local Alliance chapters are often involved in advocacy efforts as well, including events like Grill Your Legislator and through attendance at MSV’s White Coats on Call Days.

If you don’t have a local Alliance chapter, you can join the Alliance as a member-at-large by contacting Natalie Rude or Ellen Morgan.

MSV Alliance members can also take advantage of opportunities to become involved with MSVF and several members serve on the MSVF board of directors. Members can attend annual leadership training, regional meetings and a statewide annual meeting each fall in conjunction with the MSV annual meeting. There are also opportunities to engage at the national level through the AMA Alliance. It’s easy to stay up to date on Alliance activities through its Web site, through its Facebook page and through a twice-yearly newsletter and monthly electronic newsletter.