myCSUSM
Career Resources
Proffesional Organizations
The American Medical Association (AMA) represents the legal interests and development of the profession. The AMA is undertaking initiatives in transforming medical education, improving patient outcomes and creating thriving physician practices. It is also the body that sponsors the general and field specific Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), recognized as the premier authority on medical advancements.
The American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) represents allopathic medical programs in the U.S. It is the central hub for applying to medical school, registering for the MCAT and has many resources for students exploring medicine. Once you are in medical school, it also serves as the hub for your residency “match day.”
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) is the primary certifying body for DOs and the accrediting agency for all osteopathic medical schools. It has federal authority to accredit hospitals and other health care facilities and is the primary advocate and legal authority for osteopathic physicians and the profession.
The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) represents osteopathic medical programs in the U.S. It is the central hub for applying to DO programs and has resources for students exploring osteopathic medicine.
Other professional organizations include
- Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP)
- Association of Black Women Physicians (ABWP)
- American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA)
- American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP)
- Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA)
- National Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians (NCAPIP)
- National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA)
- National Medical Association (NMA)
Financial Aid
Below are various financial aid resources to help you plan your finances as you apply to MD and DO programs:
- FinAid’s list of Loan Forgiveness programs
- AAMC’s Paying for Medical School
- AAMC’s Fee Assistance Program
- AACOM’s Financial Aid resources
- AACOM’s Fee Waiver programs