Where EAMA is Now
Eight years ago, when we decided on creating the Egyptian American Medical Association, we felt there was no better time to come together and serve our community in Egypt and in the US. We started with only a few members, but the impact was quickly tangible. In our eight years as an association, we initiated several sustainable and cohesive programs. These programs included the Sponsorship Program through which EAMA financially sponsors and mentors young Egyptian physicians planning to start their medical career in the US. Our Mentorship Program helps medical students to navigate through the US medical system through individualized one-on-one coaching. Through our annual fundraisers, we have managed to raise $135,000 for a polyclinic that is currently under construction for the residents of the slums in the outskirts of Cairo. Most recently, we have raised donations that were used to implant 23 cochlear hearing devices for deaf children in Egypt - a life changing surgery that would have otherwise been unattainable if it was not for your generosity. Several of our members have contributed to humanitarian missions where they served refugee populations in the US and overseas. In addition to the activities in the domains of education and charity, we have held numerous social gathering which have brought us closer together as one big family. Our annual gala dinners have drawn hundreds of healthcare providers, allied professionals and their families over the years and our gala dinner in December 2016 represented EAMA in the United Nations. Additionally, through our quarterly gatherings, we have celebrated our culture by enjoying authentic Egyptian music, food and art.
As we look forward to a new chapter under a new board, we first must thank all of those who have contributed to EAMA's success over the years. We are committed to thrive and expand, keeping in sight the founding principles of our association as a democratic, non-religious, non-political, educational and humanitarian organization. Since EAMA's inception, we have held two board elections that were great models for the Egyptian community in the US at large. The relationship between the board members has been collegial, but like anything else in life there are ups and downs. With the resignation of the outgoing board, we have established a transitional board that would run the association for 24 months. During this period, the operational structure of the association would be evaluated and improved to allow for smoother and more transparent governance for generations to come.
As we move forward with EAMA's mission, I invite everyone, including myself, to affirm our organization's founding principles and contribute to the association through joining one of the many active programs and initiatives that are underway. If are interested in one or more of these programs, please do not hesitate email me directly at founder@e-ama.org.
