Tulane Medical Student Elected to AMA Board of Trustees

Justin Magrath, PhD, a 4th-year Tulane medical student, was recently elected to the American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees for the 2025-2026 term. Magrath is one of only 21 members who make strategic decisions for the entire AMA, which in turn greatly influences policies that impact physicians, medical students, and patients nationwide.  

The AMA brings together more than 190 medical societies and stakeholders to promote the art and science of medicine, enhancing public health through advocacy, policy development, influencing medical education, and supporting research.

“It's an incredible honor to represent students from across the country, as well as physicians,” Magrath said.  

"My entire AMA experience has really influenced me to not only practice medicine but be involved in changing the framework that governs medicine."

Justin Magrath, PhD

Magrath’s new appointment positions him to be a strong advocate for his patients, his peers and medical advancements as a whole. The position involves actively evaluating new policies, communicating with members about said policies, acting as a liaison for the AMA’s various sections, and voicing members’ “concerns, hopes and desires to the board.”

“I think one thing that's kind of always drawn me to the AMA is its ability to amplify one's voice,” Magrath said, and he has made good use of that ability during his involvement with the organization.

For the past 8 years, Magrath has used that amplification to further his goals to help improve patients’ health and access to healthcare. He has submitted resolutions on topics ranging from Medicaid cost-sharing to childhood tax credits to climate change.

“Most recently, I was on the Council on Medical Service for two years, writing reports about issues related to health economics and health insurance,” he said.  

Magrath points out that policy is “intermingled with the practice of medicine,” and he hopes to influence policies in order to take “medicine in a positive direction” in the years to come.

“My entire AMA experience has really influenced me to not only practice medicine but be involved in changing the framework that governs medicine,” he said. “There are many barriers that physicians face in practicing medicine, so I definitely want to stay involved in policy long-term. Doing it through the largest medical advocacy organization is a great way. [I’d] love to continue that into residency and beyond.”

Through his ongoing leadership and advocacy, Magrath represents Tulane Medicine's mission to cultivate physician-leaders who advance healthcare on both local and national levels. His appointment to the AMA Board of Trustees underscores the importance of integrating policy engagement with medical practice, ensuring that the next generation of physicians plays a meaningful role in shaping the future of healthcare.

For more information about Magrath’s position and the AMA organization, visit the AMA website.