AMSA Announces Keynote Speakers for 2017 Annual Convention and Exposition
Media Contact:
Jennifer Junda, Director Member Marketing
American Medical Student Association
Phone: 703-665-4626
Email: [email protected]
Sterling, VA – December 9, 2016 – The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) has announced the keynote speakers for the 2017 Annual Convention and Exposition, set to take place February 23-26, 2017, in Washington, D.C.
AMSA is honored to welcome Dr. Richard Levin, President and CEO of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, Dr. Leana Wen, Commissioner of the Baltimore City Health Department and past AMSA President, and Brad Jenkins, Executive Producer at Funny or Die, as keynote speakers at this year’s event.
“We are excited to bring together this outstanding group of leaders and professionals to engage with medical students, premedical students, and faculty at the 2017 Convention and Exposition,” said Kelly Thibert, DO, AMSA National President. “This distinguished lineup highlights the exceptional networking and educational opportunities available at this event—experiences that students won’t find anywhere else.”
Dr. Richard I. Levin is the President and CEO of The Arnold P. Gold Foundation and a prominent advocate for humanism in medical education. He previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Vice-Principal for Health Affairs at McGill University and as Vice Dean for Education, Faculty, and Academic Affairs at New York University School of Medicine. With extensive experience in cardiology and medical education, he remains committed to ensuring that empathy and compassion remain central to physician training. In 2016, Wake Forest University awarded Dr. Levin an honorary doctorate for his contributions to medicine, recognizing his dedication to advancing both the science and humanism of healthcare.
Dr. Leana Wen serves as Baltimore City Health Commissioner, overseeing an agency with a $130 million budget and 1,000 employees focused on improving public health through education, policy, and direct service delivery. Previously, she was an attending physician and Director of Patient-Centered Care in the Department of Emergency Medicine at George Washington University. A passionate advocate for health policy and transparency in medicine, she co-founded the Who’s My Doctor campaign and has given multiple TED and TEDMED talks on patient-centered care and public health leadership. Dr. Wen is also a past AMSA President and a recipient of the Women Leaders in Medicine Award.
Brad Jenkins is the Managing Director and Executive Producer of Funny or Die DC, where he leads content creation and consulting on talent outreach, branding, and strategy. He previously served as President Obama’s liaison and Director of Engagement to the creative and advocacy communities, helping to bring together creative executives, advocacy leaders, and celebrities for key initiatives. Notably, he played a key role in the Emmy-winning “Between Two Ferns” episode, in which Zach Galifianakis interviewed President Obama about the Affordable Care Act. Jenkins has also worked on grassroots media engagement and co-founded Business Forward, an organization aimed at connecting entrepreneurs with policymakers.
The 2017 AMSA Convention and Exposition promises an unparalleled experience, offering students and medical professionals the opportunity to connect with leaders in medicine, public health, and policy while gaining invaluable insight into the future of healthcare.
For more information about the 2017 AMSA Annual Convention and Exposition, visit amsaconvention.org.
About AMSA:
AMSA is the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States. Founded in 1950, AMSA is a student-governed, non-profit organization committed to representing the concerns of physicians-in-training. To learn more about AMSA, our strategic priorities, or joining the organization, please visit us online at http://amsa.org.
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