FSMB FOUNDATION

The Public Member Initiative

Strengthening state medical boards through public representation

The FSMB Foundation has launched an initiative aimed at strengthening the role of public members serving on state medical boards.

The Public Member Initiative is raising awareness of the importance of public membership on boards, while offering resources to help current public members be more effective in their work.

Though members of most state medical board members are physicians or have medical backgrounds, nearly all of the nation's boards include members who are not medically trained. These "public members" serve a vital function, bringing the voice of the consumer to matters involving medical licensing and discipline.

Over the last several decades, public membership on state medical boards has increased, with boards seeking to give greater voice and representation of the views and perspectives of consumers.

In 2010, the FSMB Foundation launched an initiative to strengthen public presence on state medical boards. The goal of this initiative is two-pronged: Raise awareness of the importance of public membership, and help current public members do their jobs more effectively.

"We know from experience that public members change the dynamic of medical boards for the better," said FSMB Foundation President Cheryl A. Vaught, JD. "It is imperative that we continue to find the best people we can to fill these positions - while ensuring they have the tools needed to do their jobs well."

Watch this site for more resources in coming months. For more information, call 817-868-4000.

Resources

Resources Guide for Public Members: The FSMB Foundation is creating a training-manual to assist public members of state medical boards. A sample chapter is now available.

Public Member Video Project (launching soon): The FSMB Foundation is creating a series of short videos that will provide perspectives on the importance of public board membership.