The Maine Medical Association's delegation to the meeting at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa in Groton, CT included AMA Delegates Richard Evans, M.D. and Maroulla Gleaton, M.D., as well as MMA President Robert Schlager, M.D. and Deputy EVP & General Counsel Andrew MacLean.

During the first part of the meeting on Saturday, May 5th, Dr. Gleaton presided as President of the Council of New England State Medical Societies (CNESMS) which presents a regular opportunity for the New England state medical societies' leadership to share the highlights of their organizations' recent work.  Dr. Schlager joined the Presidents (or their designated substitute) of the other societies in presenting reports.  Dr. Schlager introduced himself to the group and commented about the MMA's advocacy work on Medicaid expansion, the opioid crisis, and the administrative hassles of prior authorization, as well as tasks assigned at the MMA board retreat in March on EVP succession planning, Stred building renovations, and board member and MMA member engagement.  As usual, the Presidents' reports revealed a number of common themes - the importance of advocacy, responding to the opioid abuse crisis, and member engagement, for example.

During the latter part of the morning meeting, Dr. Evans presided as Chair of the New England Delegation to the AMA.  The agenda for this part of the meeting began with review of proposed resolutions to the AMA House of Delegates on issues such as firearms safety (several in response to recent mass shootings), e-cigarette ingredients, payment methodology, and Direct Primary Care.  The firearms resolutions prompted a lengthy and vigorous discussion.  Following the resolution discussion, the group heard updates on various AMA Councils and Task Forces and noted several New England delegation members who are candidates for elected positions within the AMA.

The AMA Annual Meeting will take place at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago from June 9-13, 2018.