The partnership principle: Together we are stronger

AMA Leader Commentary. By Cecil B. Wilson, MD, April 2, 2007.

AMA LEADER COMMENTARY

A few words about current events in medical practice

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A message to all AMA members from the chair of the AMA Board of Trustees, Cecil B. Wilson, MD

Partnerships provide the mechanism whereby a unity born of common purpose results in effective actions to reach desired goals. It is through partnerships that we leverage our strengths to achieve that which acting alone we might not find possible. Partnerships are an instrument for success.

Commitment to the partnership principle has been a part of the genetic makeup of the AMA since its founding 160 years ago. At a time when medical education was considered by some to be "impractical if not utopian," Dr. Nathan Davis, the founder of the AMA, submitted a resolution to New York's state medical society calling for establishment of a national medical association to "elevate the standard of medical education in the United States." The result was the formation of the AMA; an affirmation of the importance of physicians partnering together.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning began her immortal poem with "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." With apologies to Ms. Browning, how does the AMA partner? Let me count some of the ways.

Last month, the AMA partnered with AARP in releasing a shared-responsibilities and health and safety resource guide, promoting stronger patient-physician relationships during National Patient Safety Awareness Week (an effort in which the AMA has partnered with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for many years).

Our ongoing efforts to eliminate the menace to public health posed by 47 million Americans without health care insurance are gaining momentum through the Health Coverage Coalition for the Uninsured. This group includes, among others, the AMA, other medical and public health associations, insurers, Families USA, pharmaceutical firms and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. All joined their collective voices in February in a clarion call to cover as many uninsured as quickly as possible -- especially our children.