Jan. 17, 2025

2025 AMPAC Candidate Workshop Returns in Person March 28-30

Ever wonder how physicians get elected to Congress or the Washington State Legislature? Have you considered, or are you considering, a run for office for yourself? Learn how to run a winning political campaign by attending the AMPAC Candidate Workshop, held annually at the American Medical Association office in Washington, D.C. And new this year: To help encourage physician public service in elected office, the WSMA will be offering a scholarship to a WSMA member to attend the workshop, held March 28-30, 2025.

About the AMPAC Candidate Workshop

The AMPAC Candidate Workshop will teach you how to run a winning political campaign, just like it has taught many of your colleagues over the years. The workshop is designed to help you make the leap from the exam room to the campaign trail and give you the skills and strategic approach you will need to make a run for public office.

At the workshop, Republican and Democratic political veterans work together to give you expert advice about being a successful candidate and how to run a winning campaign. You will learn: the importance of a disciplined campaign plan and message; the secrets of effective fundraising; what kinds of advertising may be right for your campaign; how to work with the media; as well as how to build your campaign team and a successful grassroots organization.

Attendees include physicians, spouses of physicians, residents, and medical students and state medical society staff interested in becoming more involved in politics.

This year, the AMPAC Candidate Workshop returns in person March 28-30 at the AMA office in Washington, DC. Registration is now open (sign-in to the AMA website required) and space is limited. The deadline to register is March 7 or sooner if maximum capacity is reached.

Please note the following:

1. The AMPAC Candidate Workshop is open to AMA physician members, member spouses, residents, medical students, and state medical society staff.
2. The registration fee is $250 for AMA members/spouses and $1,000 for non-AMA members. This fee is waived for AMA residents and students; however, space is limited and the AMPAC board will review and select four participants from the pool of qualified resident and student applicants.
3. Faculty, materials, and all meals during the meeting are covered by the AMA. Participants are responsible for their registration fee, travel to/from Washington, DC, and hotel accommodations (the AMA will provide you with a list of nearby hotels within walking distance of the AMA offices).
4. Participants will be required to bring a laptop or Wi-Fi-enabled tablet with them.

WSMA offer of a scholarship award

Individuals interested in attending the workshop can apply for the Thomas J. Curry Scholarship fund, which offers a $2,500 scholarship to attend the workshop. To apply, please send your letter of interest and CV to Jennifer Hanscom at jen@wsma.org before Jan. 31.