Official Invitation Package

Content
Introduction I. Presidents Letter II. Letter from Organizing Committee Programming IV. Theme: Advocacy & The Physician-in-Training V. Venue and Accommodation VI. Social Program VII. PreGAs VIII. PostGA - AMSAs Annual Convention Registration and Logistics IX. Registration (Quota, Deadlines, Fees, Payment Details) X. Visas XI. Travel Contact XII. MM2013 USA Organizing Committee XIII. Contact AMSA-USA

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 Marchs 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. In terms of our theme, Advocacy & The Physician-inTraining, 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. This being the first time AMSA-USA hosts a general assembly, be prepared for a historic and special event. This is one that no one will want to miss. We are looking forward to bringing everyone to Washington DC; and even more excited to foster a more world-healthy future. In good health,

Kyle Swinsky & Jerry Abraham, MPH Co-Chair MM2013 USA Organizing Committee MM2013@amsa.org or kswinsky@amsa.org

IV. Advocacy & The Physician-in-Training

AMSA-USAs MM2013 theme, Advocacy and the Physician-inTraining, 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 General Assembly PostGA (AMSA-USA National Convention) March 5-9, 2013 March 9-15, 2013 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-USAs 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-inTraining, 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

MM 2013 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

V. 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 Baltimores 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

V. Venue and Accommodations (continued)

We also will be hosting our General Assembly concurrently with AMSAs 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.

VI. 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

VII. 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 preGA locations, our hope is to enable delegates to experience the diverse culture of the United States. PrreGA dates and fees can be found elsewhere in this document.

VIII. Post-GA: AMSA-USAs 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-USAs 18th Annual Competitive Poster Session. Deadlines for abstract submission are October 1, 2012 and November 1, 2012.

AMSA-USAs 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-USAs Annual Convention.

IX. Registration
Registration is scheduled to open by Saturday, September 8 and will be accessible via the MM 2013 USA website. 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 will be subject to the late registration fee corresponding with their country of origin.

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 delegates 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 IMCCDenmark for assistance with the MM 2013 USA registration system.

X. 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. 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 http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wai t_4638.html. 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).

XI. 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.

XII. 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 Bendjemil, Programming Krithi Srinivasan, Visas Jim Curry, Marketing & Communications Nida Degesys, Registration Sonny Patel, Development Support Chris Alonzo & Cydney Meyer, Social & Hospitality Laura Bertani, Alumni

Jaime Thayer (staff), Development Diana Leckie (staff), GA Coordinator Margaret Jambrosky (staff), Pre-GA Coordinator Jeff Koetje, MD (staff), Programming Sandy Fridy (staff), Sponsorship & Finances

X. 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 Srivanson, Visas visas@amsa.org Nida Degesys. Registration mm2013reg@amsa.org Jim Curry, Marketing - nore@amsa.org Samy Bendjemil, Programming global.socialaction@amsa.org Chris Alonzo & Cydney Meyer, Social gender.programming@amsa.org Sonny Patel, Development sonnypatel@gmail.com Laura Bertani, Alumni asg@amsa.org AMSA Event & Business Development Jamie Thayer jthayer@amsa.org Diana Leckie dleckie@amsa.org Margaret Jamborsky mjamborsky@amsa.org Sandy Fridy fridy@amsa.org

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