Why Join?
There are, at times it seems, a never-ending list of organizations and societies vying for our membership, time, and money. With everything else busying out lives, an organization better have benefits that make membership worthwhile. Our representatives here at SMO have worked hard to make membership more than just another society to list on one’s resume. Here are the top ten reasons why you should join SMO:
1. Discounted membership to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) for active duty military. This 50% military benefit was a direct result of the collective voice of SMO. Whether you are an active fellow/member or member-in-training, the discount alone pays your SMO dues with extra savings left over.
2. Your advocate for military ophthalmology to the AAO. Without SMO, we are not military ophthalmologists, but rather many individual ophthalmologists who happen to be in the military. The SMO Councilor and Alternate Councilor represent our interests during Congressional Advocacy Day, also known as Mid-Year Forum. Military ophthalmology residents also can participate and start their advocacy for military ophthalmology early in their careers.
3. Camaraderie. SMO is the only organization that brings together past, present, and future (resident and medical student) military ophthalmologists from all branches of the service. More than an alumni society, this collaboration allows members to navigate the unique aspects of ophthalmology practice in the military and even transitioning to practice after active duty.
4. Free AAO membership for the entire year for any deployed military ophthalmologist. Another result of SMO directly lobbying to the AAO.
5. Represent SMO at national meetings. Become a member of the AAO voting council by becoming a SMO Councilor. Liaise with International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology.
6. Access to the Worldwide Locator of military ophthalmologists. A vast network which spans the globe. This listing of members from all branches makes consults, referrals, and collaboration much easier with a roster that is not completely complied anywhere else.
7. Opportunity to recognize fellow military ophthalmologists for their service. Based in the tradition of military honor societies, the Order of St. Lucia is the military ophthalmology’s prestigious order to recognize outstanding individuals who have distinguished themselves among their peers. There are three levels of the Order: Society, Honorable Order, and Ancient Order. The Society is reserved for non-military contributors such as administrators, clinical nurses, technicians, civilians, and spouses. The Honorable and Ancient Orders recognize junior and senior military ophthalmologists. All the Orders are civilian-eligible. Visit the SMO website to learn more about the Orders and nomination process. Only active SMO members can submit nominations.
8. Free registration to the annual SMO meeting. Typically held in conjunction with the annual academy meeting. Meet in person with fellow military ophthalmologists and industry sponsors. Residents can participate in the Annual Resident Research Competition.
9. Opportunity to become elected to SMO Board of Governors. SMO Executive Council consists of a President, Vice-President/Treasurer, and Secretary. Interested SMO members can apply for the position of Secretary, which is held for one year. The member then assumes responsibility of Vice-President/Treasurer and then President over the next two years. After serving in the role of President, members serve as SMO Advisors to assist with leadership continuity. The positions rotate among the Air Force, Army, and Navy to maintain broad representation.
10. Everyone else is doing it. Give in to the positive peer pressure. Connect with others and join the only community of military ophthalmologists today!