AMPAC: A voice for America's patients and physicians

AMA Leader Commentary. By Edward L. Langston, MD, Feb. 4, 2008.

AMA LEADER COMMENTARY

A few words about current events in medical practice

SEE ARCHIVES

A message to all physicians from Edward L. Langston, MD, chair of the AMA Board of Trustees.

We live in a political environment that impacts and frequently shapes health care discussions and issues. Have you noticed? Whether we as physicians like it or not, many health care system and medical care options are decided in legislative hallways and administrative offices.

As advocates for our patients, we have at least two options: Either get involved personally or support those who represent your patients and you, or leave it to the politicians and bureaucratic administrators to make critical decisions without your input and influence.

I advocate getting involved. Many physicians do not want to walk the hallways in the state and federal government buildings talking to legislators about health care issues. Most do not know how or have the time to interface with administrators. If this identifies you, let me share with you some options to consider.

Join your AMA and other medical associations that are geared to address these two issues as well as other options in sharing your viewpoints and perspectives along with your patients' concerns and fears. For those of us who have chosen to be active within the American Medical Association, we need your support and voice. Your state and specialty societies also need your support. It is not one choice only, a wide cacophony of voices is needed. We need you! Your patients need your involvement!