A year at warp speed in a profession to be proud of

AMA Leader Commentary. By John C. Nelson, MD, MPH, May 16, 2005.

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.

I now know that one lesson from Physics 101 was wrong. I was taught the fastest speed is the speed of light -- 186,000 miles per second.

No, a faster constant is the elapsed time from my inaugural as the President of the American Medical Association until this moment.

That warp-speed year has afforded me 10 opportunities to jot down my thoughts for your consideration here in the columns of the American Medical News. And, I have used those opportunities to chronicle just a few of the reasons I am proud to be an AMA member.

AMA's record of activism: How, since 1847, in the United States and around the globe, the AMA has espoused the science of medicine, promoted the ethics of the profession and extended care and concern for every patient we serve.

Leadership in disaster preparedness: The leadership and excellence our Association brings to the even more vital function of preparing for and dealing with both natural and man-made disasters that have become the scourges of the 21st century.

Everyday ethics: Innovations in our traditional role of ethicists, focusing on expanding access to care, improving the quality of care and building the sacred bond of trust between patient and physician -- all as ethical functions of a vibrant profession.

AMA advocacy: How proud I continue to be not only of the quantity and scope of our efforts in federal and state affairs, but in the quality and humanity of our efforts. The agenda items change over the years, but the steady, professional, mature voice of the AMA not only is heard but is valued more now than ever before.

AMA communications: The pride we share when we read and hear and see the AMA brand communicated to each of our many publics. In many ways through many channels to many audience members, the AMA story is told and retold, reinforcing our reputation for service, for ethics, for concern for our patients.