Our AMA is leading the way to quality medical care

AMA Leader Commentary. By Yank D. Coble Jr., MD. Nov. 18, 2002.

AMA LEADER COMMENTARY

A few words about current events in medical practice

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A message to all physicians from AMA President Yank D. Coble Jr., MD.

In American medicine today, the AMA and the Federation are addressing so many serious issues, such as our disastrous medical liability system and arbitrary payment cuts, that other important initiatives sometimes don't receive the recognition they deserve. One of the less well known but most valuable endeavors that the AMA has undertaken, in partnership with our medical specialty societies and other organizations, is the development of clinical quality improvement initiatives.

Physicians have much at stake when it comes to enhancing medical quality and safety, especially in terms of professional satisfaction, autonomy and self-regulation. The Institute of Medicine's reports, though perhaps overstated, have made it clear that a number of quality and safety issues need addressing. If we, as a profession, don't attend to the concerns raised in these reports, others will do it for us. Judging from what we've seen already, it won't be pretty.

Fortunately, the AMA has a long history of leadership in improving medical quality. Starting 155 years ago, we helped establish standards for medical education, training and accreditation -- standards that have helped make American medicine the envy of the world. Since then, we have also dedicated ourselves to enhancing medical science through the work of our many councils as well as our support of medical research and academic medical centers. We have always held fast to the principle that physicians must play a front-and-center role in enhancing medical quality. [...]