has been a proliferation of mid-level providers to assist and compete with physicians for patients. These mid-level providers continue efforts to expand their scope of practice.
• Medicine is becoming increasingly specialized, and more physicians are becoming employed as opposed to private practice.
• Technology in health care continues to accelerate at a rapid pace and is transforming all areas of medicine.
• Some physicians are experiencing increased administrative burdens, job stress, burnout and job dissatisfaction.
• Health care providers must consider the nonmedical factors( social determinants of health) that impact a patient’ s ability to become“ whole” or reach a state of complete health and well-being.
All of the above factors listed give rise to the importance of why physician participation in organized medicine is needed. Our medical organizations advocate for physicians and patients by addressing scope of practice, health care policy, insurance reform and many other areas that affect the medical profession.
Finally, how can each physician be a strong advocate for our profession and our patients? This can be done through participation in organized medicine. I encourage medical students to start in medical school. Residents, fellows and attending physicians should continue to be active and pay dues to their local, state and national physician-led organizations including GLMS, KMA, NMA, AMA and specialty societies. Also, physicians are needed to serve on hospital committees, as delegates to meetings and participate by lobbying legislative leaders on the issues that are important to the medical profession. Physicians should run for office in physician-led organizations. There is strength in numbers and maximum participation is needed. Then we can influence the policies, procedures and laws being made that affect the medical profession and patient health care. I remain dedicated to the medical profession. I will continue to be a strong advocate for the medical profession and patient health care. Again, thank you for the privilege to represent you as GLMS President.
Dr. Hargett is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in private practice.
( top to bottom) Dr. Hargett at the 2025 GLMS Foundation Doctor ' s Ball; Speaking at the 2024 KMA Annual Meeting; Dr. Tamera Callahan, Dr. Lewis Hargett, Dr. Traci Edwards and Dr. Dorothy Thomas at The Links, Incorporated Louisville Chapter: Family Wellness Expo held on March 15, 2025; Dr. Hargett and guests at his 2024 President ' s Celebration
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