Nearly 100 UCLA, USC and Western University medical students jumped at the chance to network with physicians on Jan. 5 at the Los Angeles County Medical Association's Ninth Annual First-Year Medical Student Dinner.

In return, attending LACMA staff and physicians were eager to discuss the importance of participating in organized medicine and share their practice experiences.

"I really like this event because it enables students to ask questions they can't ask or address in lectures," says Alex You, a first-year medical student at UCLA. "We get to talk to physicians who are actually in private practice, and they are accessible."

Held at the AON Center, the event featured a festive atmosphere, including school flags, matching balloons, fancy hors d'oeuvres and even a classical guitarist. LACMA President Clayton Patchett, MD, served as the master of ceremonies and California Medical Association President-Elect Anmol Mahal, MD, presented an inspiring keynote address.

"It is so important for medical students to get involved in organized medicine early, and there are three ways to do it," Dr. Mahal says. "Attend CMA's Annual Legislative Leadership Day, participate in the annual CMA House of Delegates and get involved locally. In other words, get people together in your local chapters and discuss healthcare issues that are important to you."

Later, Dr. Mahal hosted a question-and-answer session, which included the query, "Explain MICRA, in seven words or less." The Q&A kicked off an informal exchange between physicians and students that lasted for more than two hours.

"When I graduate from medical school, I want to practice in an impoverished area," says Desiree Montes, a first-year student at Western University. "I hope that my involvement with LACMA will help me give a voice to the underserved."

LACMA's student membership has increased by nearly 200 compared with the prior year.