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Congratulations on taking this step in making a difference in the field of anesthesiology. As a delegate, you will have the unique opportunity to advocate for issues encountered in your state and medical school directly to ASA on a national platform. The delegate application email is sent by ASA between late May and early June. To apply, you'll need a faculty sponsor who can vouch for your dedication to anesthesiology advocacy and reform. The process for securing a faculty sponsor varies by school, with each school typically employing its own customized internal selection process. We encourage students to inquire with their sponsoring department, clerkship directors or anesthesia interest group faculty advisors for information regarding their local selection process. While the deadline for these internal applications can vary, the national application process closes in early August. Each school is eligible for a voting delegate and an alternate delegate annually. Approximately one week after applications close, you should expect an email confirming your position.
Your designation as a voting delegate or alternate delegate will be determined by your school. As a voting delegate, you will have the privilege of participating in the ASA Medical Student Component (MSC) Governing Council elections for the subsequent year. These council members collaborate directly with national ASA attendings and residents to enhance anesthesiology education, support, and policy initiatives for medical students nationwide. Elections take place during the Medical Student House of Delegates (HOD)Meeting, during which speeches from all current candidates are presented. One week before the conference, you can expect to receive an email from the current ASA medical student president. This email will include the CVs and cover letters of the candidates seeking the various governing council positions. It's crucial to review these materials beforehand to make an informed decision, as the speeches during the conference are concise!
The meeting typically starts at 8am and will last about four to five hours on a single day of the Anesthesiology annual meeting. Each program will designate a voting member and an alternate member. Depending on your program and funding, either one or both of you will have the opportunity to attend. Ideally, you will not have any other obligations or presentations during this time.
The HOD meeting is guided by members of the ASA MSC Governing Council. While the specific format of the HOD meeting may vary from year to year, attendees can anticipate the following highlights:
1) A distinguished leader will deliver a keynote address, offering insights into a pertinent topic within the field.
2) MSC bylaw revisions will be discussed and voted on, with decisions determined by a majority vote.
3) Candidates for the governing council Executive Board will deliver speeches, leading up to an official vote (one per program). Selections are typically determined prior to the conclusion of the meeting.
4) Group photo session.
Past meetings have spotlighted programs' endeavors in diversity, equity, and inclusion, strategies to address burnout, and the exploration of technological advancements in anesthesia. These discussions are valuable and should be shared with your home institution.
Delegates from medical schools across the country are in attendance, and as MSC representatives, these students return to their respective institutions to expand anesthesiology exposure through Anesthesiology Interest Group lectures and workshops.
You gain privileged access to numerous meetings where ASA members delve into the latest topics shaping the field of anesthesiology. Take the opportunity to assimilate these insights into your own understanding of the challenges our specialty faces. Consider how you might contribute to addressing these challenges as a future anesthesiologist.
Reconnect with the individuals you met during the conference, including fellow medical students, residents, and anesthesiologists. Express gratitude for their valuable insights or presentations, fostering the growth of these relationships. The connections made at ASA could evolve into collaborations, mentorships, or reunions at subsequent conferences.
ASA's timing, particularly amidst the residency application cycle, presents an opportune moment for prospective anesthesiology residency applicants. The connections forged can play a vital role in connecting you to residency programs, introducing you to various opportunities, or even providing emotional support throughout your application process.
Serving as a delegate signals your active engagement and advocacy within the field of anesthesiology, bolstering your candidacy for future roles in the specialty. Keep this experience in mind as you pursue additional opportunities, utilizing it as a testament to your dedication to advancing the field.
The MSC delegate experience offers a journey of learning and networking, beginning before the conference and extending long after. Embrace the opportunities for personal and professional growth, reflecting on insights gained and fostering connections within the field. Your role as a delegate signifies a commitment to advocacy and engagement, shaping not only your understanding of anesthesiology but also your future career aspirations.
Date of last update: May 13, 2024
