About Us

Vision

Our vision is to be a leader in improving public health, through efforts inspired by Islamic tradition.

Mission

AMHP is an organization dedicated to empowering Muslim health professionals to improve the quality and delivery of health services and increase access to care by:

• Providing networking and professional development opportunities for healthcare professionals and other individuals interested in public health.
• Fostering dialogue about healthcare issues.
• Collaborating with relevant organizations such as research institutions, academic centers, governmental entities, or policy-makers, in pursuit of its mission.
• Participating to improve public health through education and community outreach.
• Identifying needs for research on the American Muslim community.

AMHP is dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of America, with a particular focus on American Muslims.

Background

A listserv was created in May 2004 to connect Muslim health professionals and students from various disciplines across North America. The purpose of the listserv was, and continues to be, a means to serve as a forum for discussion on healthcare issues as well as a networking tool. Recognizing that the Muslim health community is largely fragmented, members expressed an interest in establishing an organization, the American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP), which would serve the needs of a growing population of Muslim health professionals.

The first organizational meeting was held at the 42nd Annual ISNA Convention in Rosemont, IL in September 2004 to discuss the current and future challenges facing Muslim health professionals as well as to establish AMHP’s mission, vision and goals. Three committees have been established in order to execute AMHP’s mission and vision.

AMHP represents a diverse body of health professionals and students including, but not limited to: public health practitioners, pharmacists, nurses, dentists, allied health professionals, health care administrators, nutritionists, social workers, mental health, and physicians. In addition to fostering collaboration among health professionals, AMHP is committed to increasing awareness of the importance of public health as a means to improving the overall health status of our communities.

Why is there a need to mobilize healthcare professionals?

• Increase awareness of public/preventive health
• Improve access to care for the underserved and uninsured
• Eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare
• Share resources and ideas
• Organize networking opportunities
• Provide Islamic perspectives on healthcare issues
• Establish resources for the elderly
• Eliminate stigma related to mental health
• Provide input and resources regarding cultural sensitivity for healthcare professionals dealing with Muslim patients/clients
• Address taboo issues within Muslim community such as HIV/AIDS, mental health, and other social health issues
• Provide nutritional services and counseling
• Promote efficiencies and control costs within the current healthcare system
• Provide resources for Muslim operated clinics
• Coordinate efforts between Muslim health professionals in order to have influence on policy issues
• Promote careers in healthcare
• Enhance Muslim contribution to health issues at the local and national level

Who can Join?

AMHP is open to students and professionals in the following fields and/or with the following degrees who have a strong interest in promoting public health:

• Allied Health Professionals (Occupational/Respiratory/Speech Physical Therapists)
• Dentists
• Chiropractors
• Healthcare Administrators (MBA, MHA, MPA, MS)
• Healthcare Consultants
• Healthcare Lawyers
• Holistic Practitioners
• International Health Practitioners
• IT Healthcare Professionals
• Massage Therapists
• Mental Health/ Psychologists
• Midwives
• Nurses (RN, LPN, NP)
• Nutritionists/Dieticians
• Optometrists
• Pharmaceutical/Biotech Professionals
• Physician Assistants
• Pharmacists
• Physicians (Allopathic & Osteopathic)
• Public/Community Health Practitioners (MPH, MS)
• Social Workers
• Other Health Care workers/staff/personnel

If you are interested in volunteering opportunities with AMHP, please email us at contact@amhp.us