The International Association of Medical Social Work (IAMSW) is a global leader in advocating for the integration of medical social work into healthcare systems. Through research, education, and policy initiatives, IAMSW empowers professionals to shape healthcare legislation, influence policy development, and improve social justice in medical settings.
Our Mission
IAMSW is dedicated to:
• Advancing Healthcare Legislation: Driving the development of laws and policies that recognize and expand the role of medical social workers in delivering equitable healthcare.
• Promoting Policy Recommendations: Collaborating with governments, NGOs, and healthcare institutions to create actionable, evidence-based policy proposals.
• Publishing White Papers: Providing thought leadership through comprehensive policy white papers addressing systemic challenges in healthcare and social work.
What We Do
1. Policy Advocacy and Recommendations:
• Conduct research on the intersection of social work and healthcare policies.
• Develop detailed legislative proposals aimed at addressing health inequities and expanding access to medical social work services.
• Partner with lawmakers and institutions to implement effective solutions.
2. White Paper Development:
• Publish policy-focused white papers on critical issues such as healthcare reform, mental health support, elder care, and chronic disease management.
• Provide actionable insights and frameworks to guide policymakers and healthcare leaders.
3. Global Collaboration:
• Build partnerships with international organizations to ensure best practices in policy and legislation are shared and adapted globally.
• Host think tanks, workshops, and summits focused on legislative innovation and healthcare reform.
4. Education and Empowerment:
• Offer training for medical social workers to enhance their understanding of legislative processes and policy advocacy.
• Equip members with tools to participate in shaping healthcare laws and policies in their regions.
Our Commitment to Policy Development
IAMSW recognizes that medical social workers play a pivotal role in addressing the social determinants of health. By influencing healthcare legislation and policy, we aim to:
• Strengthen the legal recognition of medical social work.
• Expand funding for social work programs in healthcare.
• Ensure culturally competent, patient-centered care is a legislative priority.