Pros
The name can be a good resume builder. The compensation and benefits are competitive.
Cons
It is a shame that the headquarters of this organization, with its scope and influence, is so grossly mismanaged. Do not be fooled by the AMA's mission. It is unhealthy to work for the AMA. During my time there both in an entry-level role and as a manager, I witnessed the following on a routine basis: - discrimination on the basis of sex (in the year following a new C-Suite executive's hiring, 15+ women in the department quit, were let go or were demoted and several white men were promoted or hired in the same department); - discrimination on the basis of race (see the makeup of VP and C-Suite executives); - elitism; - bullying; - ignorance; and - cowardice from the top. The AMA membership base of physicians and medical students display the same behaviors. This makeup creates, without question, an adverse work environment for employees who do not accept this conduct. Should you accept a position here, do not stay long and expect an elementary Human Resources department, constant restructuring (I had 7 managers in 3 years), over-promising and back pedaling, and an old boy's club atmosphere. Folks who have been employed for 20+ years here are vilified yet rising stars are offered little opportunity to advance and no support when they do. This unusual combination creates a common, albeit backwards, managerial approach rooted in one's individual ego, not the needs of the organization. The ubiquitous distrust of the VP and C-Suite-level executives and the Board of Trustees existed since my first day. The AMA is a sinking ship, from a membership standpoint and as a premiere non-profit. Examine the job openings to understand where it is going awry: Chief Experience Officer, Talent Management Director, Tax Director... Take your talents to a specialty society or state medical society, not the AMA. Association work offers valuable experience for someone interested in management, business, finance, strategic marketing, and education. If you do work for the AMA, you will also learn to navigate the immoral realities of a desperate business. Expect to be disappointed.
