OPINIONAMA ends the year on an upbeat, productive noteAMA Leader Commentary. By Duane M. Cady, MD, Jan. 2/9, 2006. A message to all physicians from the chair of the AMA Board of Trustees, Duane M. Cady, MD.
Let's look at these in a little more detail. In this holiday season, I was reminded of what an unusual and unusually strong year 2005 has been for both the American Medical Association and the nation. The year is summarized in single words and phrases: Physicians of America became heroes after hurricanes ravaged the Gulf Coast. Physicians responded to the multiple disasters by the thousands. More volunteered with the U.S. Health and Human Services Dept. Web site than could be placed. The AMA Foundation launched a Health Care Recovery Fund to help physicians rebuild their practices in the wake of Katrina and Rita. In addition to $100,000 the AMA contributed, funds have flowed in from concerned individuals and groups, all motivated by one thought: How can I help? I cannot recall a single event in my professional life that warmed my heart more than watching the outpouring of talent, time and money to help our fellow Americans in need. Medicare's fatally flawed sustainable growth rate calculation has been a continuing focus of attention for years. In its most concerted effort yet, the AMA called on physicians and patients to warn America of the negative effects of payment cuts at the very time more and more Americans become seniors. The effort is not ended, but there is no doubt that the year 2005 saw dramatic evidence of AMA's concern on behalf of patients. [...]Full text of American Medical News content is available to AMA members and paid subscribers.
Copyright 2006 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
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The doctors are in the house
The AMA's House of Delegates is holding its Interim Meeting Nov. 7-10 in Houston, addressing issues such as health system reform and physician payment. Meeting coverage - Slideshow Feature articlesHealth reform review The Massachusetts experience Litigation stress Being sued is personal as well as professional Comprehensive coverage
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