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One of the most visible indicators of declining social capital in medicine is the disappearance of“ physician lounge conversations.” Historically, the physician lounge served as a hub where doctors could informally share ideas, discuss challenging cases and build relationships. These interactions were not just of clinical importance; they fostered collaboration, trust and mentorship.
However, if physicians work within isolated networks, facilities or environments, the opportunities for connection dwindle. The shift towards electronic health records( EHRs) and telemedicine has further entrenched this isolation. Adding to this challenge is the burden of time-consuming nonclinical work, such as prior authorizations( PAs). A 2024 survey by the AMA revealed that physicians complete an average of 39 prior authorizations per week, taking approximately 13 hours to process. 5 This administrative workload detracts from patient care and limits time for professional interactions, reducing the chance for spontaneous collaboration or mentorship. Physicians now spend more time interacting with screens and paperwork than with each other, further eroding the sense of community within the profession.
This decline in interpersonal connection mirrors the broader societal trends Putnam describes in Bowling Alone: fewer people are participating in community organizations, attending social gatherings or engaging in other activities that build trust and reciprocity. In medicine, these losses can have serious consequences, including fragmented care, burnout among physicians and a decline in overall trust.
Building Trust through Mutual Support
Putnam emphasized the importance of reciprocity in building strong communities. Reciprocity, the idea that helping others creates an expectation of mutual support, is essential for fostering honesty and trust. When physicians trust one another to share knowledge, offer guidance and collaborate on patient care, patient outcomes and physician work satisfaction improve.
Reciprocity is what allows a young physician to turn to a more experienced colleague for advice without fear of judgment. It’ s what enables interdisciplinary teams to work together effectively, even when their perspectives differ.
And, I suspect, it could be the key to getting physicians to unite in advocacy efforts.
Rebuilding reciprocity requires deliberate effort. Physicians must be given spaces to reconnect. Whether it’ s through formal programs like panel discussions, social media conversations or simply getting together for coffee, these interactions can help rebuild trust and collaboration within Louisville’ s medical community.
Let’ s Get Together More.
If we want a unified voice that advocates for our patients’ well-being and the rights of physicians, we need to trust one another. To build trust, we need to meet and get to know each other. For your advocacy organization to represent you, you simply need to be part of it. Let’ s rebuild reciprocity among physicians in greater
Louisville. Let’ s start internally. Together, we can be a formidable force in health care advocacy. We can be the decision-makers. We can make a difference.
References:
1
Mother Jones- Appalled by the Silence of the AMA. https:// www. motherjones. com / politics / 2025 / 02 / im-a-doctor-and-im-appalled-at-the-silence-from-theamerican-medical-association /
2
AMA Fact Sheet on its Decade of Membership Growth. https:// www. ama-assn. org / system / files / 2021-06 / ama-10-years-2021-fact-sheet. pdf
3
Physician burnout rate drops below 50 % for first time in 4 years. https:// www. ama-assn. org / practice-management / physician-health / physician-burnout-ratedrops-below-50-first-time-4-years
4
Putnam, R. D.( 2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. Simon & Schuster.
5
2024 AMA prior authorization physician survey. https:// www. ama-assn. org / system / files / prior-authorization-survey. pdf
Dr. Higgins is a rhinologist in private practice at Kentuckiana ENT, a division of ENTCC, and President and Chairman of the Board of ENT Care Centers( ENTCC).
Don’ t miss our upcoming
PHYSICIANS TOGETHER EVENTS!
Join fellow physicians for meaningful conversation, connection and insight. The first event kicks off October 23 at Paristown Hall, featuring a guest speaker on Medical Malpractice.
For more info and to sign-up for our Oct. 23rd
event visit: https:// tinyurl. com / 2m3nvu6c
and watch for an email for more details.
Mark your calendar for the second gathering on November 6 at the Louisville Thoroughbred Society— details coming soon!
October 2025 5