Casting Call

AMA welcomed several new physicians to its Board of Trustees and its councils in June 2001. We asked the following to pick a movie that best describes (or represents) their first year in organized medicine and to name the actor who would play them. Here's what they had to say.

My year on CMS reminds me of the novel/movie/play "Don Quixote." Each person arriving to the committee feels as if he or she would like to influence health care in America. In a sense we do dream the Man of La Mancha's "Impossible Dream." Even more importantly, however, CMS, as a committee attacks the impossible and offers solutions. One year on CMS has showed me how this committee develops standards that are often accepted as an AMA policy, and from there often to national legislation.

RICHARD BAGBY, MD
Council on Medical Service

"The Right Stuff." The other members of the CMS "team," including the excellent staff, fit the theme of the movie. The council looks into the future and explores new and better ways to increase access and quality of care for all our patients, just as the pilots-turned-astronauts explored near-Earth space and pushed the envelope. I would be so bold as to suggest that Ed Harris would be the actor to play my role. It is bold, as he is much better looking (always good in a movie). It is also bold in that he played the role of John Glenn. That gives me a lot of goals for the rest of my medical career.

RONALD BANGASSER, MD
Council on Medical Service

It's hard to choose just one movie. When I was elected I had "Great Expectations" that we'd have a "Deep Impact" on the major challenges confronting medicine today. But the problems in medicine are so daunting that our goals often seem like "Mission: Impossible." Pessimists believe we're facing "Apocalypse Now," but I think "It's a Wonderful Life." If an angel re-created the world without an AMA to defend the practice of medicine, we'd find ourselves in the "Jaws" of our enemies. With the AMA at the helm, we have a good chance to survive "The Perfect Storm."
       What actor would play me? How about Robin Williams, who, in "Patch Adams," showed how a doctor can benefit his patients through humor, compassion, spirited individualism and a tireless pursuit of excellence?

RONALD M. DAVIS, MD
AMA Board of Trustees

I have to say that at times I felt like I was in "9 to 5." I know how Judy Bernly, played by Jane Fonda, must have felt! Her job was exciting, confusing and a little overwhelming, but in the end, with help from her friends, she overcame the obstacles and saw success. She liked the taste of it!

KAY MITCHELL, MD
Council on Medical Education

"Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Graham Chapman who also was a physician. We both have beards (though he died in 1989).

J. JAMES ROHACK, MD
AMA Board of Trustees

"Apollo 13," and I'd be played by Tom Hanks. The Council on Medical Education is like mission control, dealing with all the issues of medical education.

CARL SIRIO, MD
Council on Medical Education

I've been termed the "conscience" of our committee. I do feel passionately about professionalism and our AMA. I'm at a point in my career that I can say whatever I feel, like "Dirty Harry." Oddly enough, that is what the H. stands for in my name.

H. DAVID WILSON, MD
Council on Medical Education

BALANCING }   { SHARING