By Ronnie B. Martin, DO, FACOFP dist.
May 27, 2008
Reflections on a Week of Advocacy in the Capitol
During last week in Washington, D.C., the ACOFP Board of Governors met with members of Congress and their staff to educate them on the health needs of our patients, the health system reforms required to meet those demands and the potential for success in meeting those needs presented by osteopathic family physicians and a system based on the appropriate utilization and access to primary care and preventative medicine services.
Concentrating on our shared interest, the welfare of our patients and their constituents provides us with common ground with these dedicated public servants. The answers to the needs of our country will not be created by pouring more money into a dysfunctional system. If $2.7 trillion is not enough, it is hard to demonstrate that $3.0 trillion will be either. Answers cannot be found only in modifications of the failed payment systems that create isolation or their concentration on heroic and procedure-based services, yet we recognize that modifications rewarding services that produce positive outcomes are demanded and must be part of the solution.
We cannot solve our heath care needs alone by providing insurance to all in spite of our recognition that access and fairness to all is an essential component of any solution. Insurance without providing access to timely and appropriate care will be impotent. Duplication of services and efficiency of care cannot be answered by adoption of PQRI standards or EHR without reform of the tort system in the country.
The reason for this short dialog is that the complexity of our health care needs will only be resolved if we are concerned, committed and consistent in our efforts. I and all the members of the Board of Governors will remain steadfast in our efforts, but they will be infertile without each of you, your families and your patients’ involvement. Your voice and your actions, from grassroot efforts to your support of OPAC, are essential if we are to change the course of the glacier that is policy in Washington, D.C.
Physicians Health
The upcoming presidential election has brought a lot of light to the health system reforms as well as the health needs of our country. In addition, there has been great attention paid to the health of the candidates. Senator McClain released more than 1,100 pages of his personal health records on Friday and Senators Obama and Clinton enjoy the good health of youth. I hope that each of you would be prepared to demonstrate your personal commitment to health and wellness. As physicians, we should each be prepared to release our own personal records, so to speak, and lead our patients by example in our personal journey for health. Memorial Day marks the start of the summer, and there is no better time to "Get out there" and incorporate habits and practices that lead to better fitness, nutrition and vitality.
Honors in Missouri
The Missouri Society of the American College of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS) presented Rex O. Lee, DO with the Osteopathic Family Physician of the Year Award at their 110th Annual Meeting in Branson, Missouri. Dr. Lee is Past President of the Missouri ACOFP State Society and was elected President of MAOPS. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Thomas A. Spooner, DO, FACOFP, the Medallion Award was presented to Philip L. Accardo, DO, FACOFP and the District Award was presented to Dennis N. Morrison, DO, past president of the Missouri ACOFP State Society. Congratulations and thanks to each of them for years of service to their patients and our profession.
Sign Up for ACOFP’s Physician Expert Network
By joining the Physician Expert Network, ACOFP members designate themselves available to submit scientific and practice based articles to the Osteopathic Family Physician News; serve as speakers at national and state meetings and be industry resources for segments of family medicine in which they have special proficiency or expertise. ACOFP developed this online Physician Expert Network with our state societies in mind to make qualified physicians readily available as a resource for presenters at state conventions and/or authors for newsletters.
We are very proud of the wealth of expertise accumulated by ACOFP members and invite you to add your name to the roster and turn to the roster when planning your upcoming CME meetings. Log in at ACOFP.ORG and select My Expert Profile or request a roster of the Physician Experts in a certain specialty.
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