Reasons to join the AMA: Science, caring, ethics

AMA Leader Commentary. By John C. Nelson, MD, MPH, Aug. 16, 2004.

AMA LEADER COMMENTARY

A few words about current events in medical practice

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A message to all physicians from AMA President John C. Nelson, MD, MPH.

In June, in my inaugural remarks as AMA president, I told a story about Dr. Albert Schweitzer, Nobel-prize winning missionary physician and founder of Lambaréné Hospital in Gabon.

There, in one of the poorest, least-served areas of the world, Dr. Schweitzer placed a single lamp on the pier leading to his hospital.

This beacon of hope guided all the sick and dying to his door.

Beneath the lamp was this sign: "At whatever hour you come, you will find light, and hope, and human kindness."

The AMA is like that simple lantern. In it and through it, physicians become better guides themselves. In it and through it, people find light, hope and human kindness.

That is why I am never the least bit shy about inviting physicians to join us.

The AMA is an activist organization fighting for America's physicians -- who in turn speak for America's patients. We are working for expanded health care coverage for all Americans, to eliminate disparities in clinical care due to race and ethnicity, for meaningful medical liability reform, for fair payments that accurately reflect care patients receive, for reduced red tape, for improved patient safety, for a host of public health initiatives.

The AMA is the voice of medicine.

Not a solo voice, by any stretch of the imagination.

But it is a voice in harmony with state and medical specialty associations, gaining a hearing and articulating what's best for America.