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AMA is a democracy in the truest sense of the word

AMA Leader Commentary. By J. Edward Hill, MD, Aug. 15, 2005.

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AMA LEADER COMMENTARY

A few words about current events in medical practice

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A message to all physicians from AMA President J. Edward Hill, MD.

When I was about 6 years old, my parents proudly presented me with a new baby sister. But instead of giving them the enthusiastic response they expected, I said: "I'da rather had a puppy."

Now that I am older and wiser, I understand a little better the irritation my parents must have felt at that moment, at least before they began to laugh.

You see, as president of the AMA, I have often received a similar response from physicians when I proudly present AMA policies, priorities and positions.

Wherever I go, I invariably meet doctors who say, "But I don't agree with such and such policy." Or, "Why doesn't the AMA listen to physicians like me?"

Now, when my sister arrived in this world, I had to accept the inevitable. My parents were not going to take her back to the hospital. I was not going to get a puppy.

But there's nothing inevitable about AMA priorities and policies. All physicians can have their say. It's just that too many of us choose not to participate in organized medicine. So we never learn how to use our voice.

You see, the AMA is a democracy. Active members can use it as a fulcrum to move the whole profession, even the nation, toward change.

Yet the flip side is also true: If we don't participate, we don't get our say, and we don't see results. Instead, we relinquish an important part of our professional power and authority.

Now some of you may be skeptical. So I will say it again: The AMA is a democracy in the truest sense of the word.