compete for patients . Their level of education , quality and skill sets compared to physicians continues to be a concern as they seek greater autonomy . I supported the Affordable Care Act . It was great for those in need of affordable insurance , but it also introduced the mandatory use of computers with patient care . Need I say no more about that .
As I talked to my colleagues about the changes in medicine , there was concern and frustration about the direction of health care in America and our role as physicians both in participation and shaping it . However , there seemed to be little attempts to make our voices heard as physicians as to whether we supported all of the changes that were taking place . The comment that I often heard was that we can ’ t do anything about it , our voices wouldn ’ t be heard or that I don ’ t have the time to participate . So , about 10 years ago , I decided that I needed to become more involved in leadership in physician-led organizations . I had always supported our local , state and national physician organizations by paying dues to the American Medical Association , National Medical Association , Kentucky Medical Association , Greater Louisville Medical Society and other medical organizations . But I had opinions and I felt that my voice needed to be heard . The best way for my opinions to be heard was for me to become a leader in the organizations that I was paying dues to . Physicians have always been the leaders in health care , and we must continue to lead . We have always been strong advocates for our patients , but we must be strong advocates for our profession . Physicians must be more proactive in organized medicine and the legislative process . We must have a seat at the table . I thought , who is better to advocate for physician concerns than physicians ? So , I became more interested in leadership positions at the local , state and national level . As it pertains to GLMS , this desire to lead and have a voice is what has led to my transition from serving on committees to becoming Secretary , Vice President , President-Elect and now President of GLMS . need to collaborate as a group to participate in organized medicine and the legislative process . Physicians can be a powerful voice if we collectively address the issues that affect our profession and patients . We then need to bring these issues to the table as one united , strong voice before new procedures , policies and laws are made . I am reminded of the vision of GLMS : “ Create a collaborative community that unites physicians .”
Second , we as physicians must work to promote health equity for all patients . The definition of health equity means ensuring everyone has the chance to be as healthy as possible . To achieve health equity , the social determinants of health must be addressed . They include housing , education , finances , discrimination , etc . By addressing these issues , patients can achieve their best health and a healthier community can be achieved .
I am reminded of an African Proverb : “ if you want to go fast , go alone . If you want to go far , go together .” All physicians should work together to unite as one community to promote our profession . We should advocate for ourselves and our patients by participating in the legislative process . We must do our part in promoting health equity for the better health of our patients and community .
Again , I look forward to working with you as President of GLMS .
Dr . Hargett is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in private practice . He is also Treasurer of the National Medial Association .
As the incoming GLMS President , I have often been asked about my platform for the year . Two things immediately came to mind . First , “ Strong advocacy for the medical profession leads to strong advocacy for our patients .” There needs to be greater physician involvement in organized medicine at the leadership level and greater participation in the legislative process . The demographics of medicine have changed greatly over the years . There are more women practicing medicine today . There are more minority physicians practicing . There are physicians that practice in Greater Louisville who have their own medical societies , including the Falls City Medical Society and KIAPI Medical Society , among others . Medicine continues to be increasingly more specialized . Each stakeholder has different viewpoints that need to be heard . Because of the changes in demographics over the years , physicians
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