The AMA: Making a difference in the halls of power
AMA Leader Commentary. By John C. Nelson, MD, MPH, Nov. 15, 2004.
A message to all physicians from AMA President John C. Nelson, MD, MPH.
The November elections may be over, but the work of the AMA Washington, D.C., office never stops.
The AMA set up shop in the nation's capital in 1943. Now, 61 years later, our approximately 65 staff members continue to shape and influence policy and advance the interests of physicians and our patients.
In the halls of Congress, in such agencies as the Depts. of Health and Human Services and Veterans Affairs, and at the White House itself, the AMA makes sure medicine's voice is heard loud and clear.
In my contacts with the Washington office over the years, I am always struck by the professionalism of staff members, their command of the facts, their access to the powers that be, and their dedication to the cause of medicine and the concerns of patients.
Whether it's meeting with members of the House of Representatives or Senate, advising officials at HHS or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or preparing an AMA trustee for testimony before Congress, the AMA's advocacy staff stays atop the issues and is prepared for any twist or turn in Washington's administrative and legislative labyrinth.
It's no surprise. AMA staff in Washington includes people with prior experience at the White House, the Senate and the House, as well as leading health care organizations and medical specialty societies. They know their stuff and they know how the system works. And that's recognized and respected by the officials they contact.
[...]
Full text of
American Medical News content is available to AMA members and paid subscribers.
Copyright 2004 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
SHARE
