STRENGTH IN NUMBERS Strength in Numbership in Organized Medicine : Perspectives from Two Anesthesiologists
by KATE WILLIAMS , MD
As an aspiring physician , I thought about what kind of medicine I would practice and the patients I would help . What I didn ’ t think about is how much more there is to a career in medicine than clinical duties . The practice of medicine is ever evolving , as is our education as physicians . As my career progresses , I find myself wondering , “ What is the value of organized medicine ? Why should I give more of my already limited time to medical societies and organizations ?” I have come to realize the short answer is that these entities offer community , mentorship , continuing education , networking , advocacy and value to my career . The longer answer is much more complex .
I have always found value in community . From athletic teams growing up to my cohort in medical school , organized groups and teams gave me a sense of belonging and understanding . My career in medicine is no different . Active participation in medical societies gives me the same sense of support and community that I have valued throughout my life .
Medicine can often feel isolating . Yes , we , as physicians , work on interdisciplinary teams everyday , however , even in a hospital full of people , a physician can feel alone . Between demanding clinical loads , health system policies , emotional tolls , navigating a work-life balance and more , it is easy to feel burnout creeping in . I do not underestimate the power of shared experiences . Simply being able to interact with physicians throughout different practice models , backgrounds , specialties and career stages allows me to realize that I am not the only one facing these challenges . Support networks are invaluable for both professional and personal growth , especially in a demanding field such as medicine .
Organized medicine facilitates broad communication throughout a global community , providing a medium for collaboration and growth . Conferences bring a diverse group of physicians together
by JIAPENG HUANG , MD , PHD
My understanding of the U . S . health care system did not start until I began my anesthesiology residency at the University of Louisville in 2002 . As a foreign medical graduate , the complexity of U . S . health care billing , reimbursement , insurance , legislations and regulations was just too overwhelming to even begin to understand .
In the U . S ., we are proud that we lead the world in many medical innovations , cutting edge therapies and clinical care . However , we suffer significant health care inequality , physician burnout and workforce shortage . We have incurred some of the highest health care costs but without the best outcomes . How can this be ? Our physicians are hardworking , top quality and have the best intentions to improve the health of our patients .
IT IS THE SYSTEM ! One physician can be the best possible , but still cannot improve the diabetic control for a West Louisville resident who cannot afford healthy food . One physician cannot improve cancer survival in Kentucky if laws to ban smoking are not passed . One physician cannot save all gunshot victims when gun violence is not addressed at local and state levels . At the national level , the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ( CMS ) regulations and payment methodologies can dramatically change our clinical practice and quality . One physician is just not enough to influence CMS decisions .
To be frank , all I have ever wanted to do is to become a good doctor and care for my patients . I was not interested in politics , finance or management . However , I became frustrated that my own efforts could not translate into better clinical care due to the many limitations from local , state and federal policies . I started to get involved in organized medicine to find ways to influence health
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