Member Physicians Mask Up and Serve in the 93rd General Assembly as Doctor of the Day
During the legislative session , the Arkansas Medical Society has the unique opportunity to provide a physician member to serve as Doctor of the Day for the Arkansas State Legislature . Physicians volunteer to serve at the Capitol that day , giving them an opportunity to connect with legislators one-on-one and get a first-hand look at the legislative process and how it affects the practice of medicine .
As a part of this long-standing program , Doctor of the Day physicians are granted floor privileges to both chambers of the Arkansas Legislature and are introduced in the House and the Senate . Typically , they also have the opportunity to attend committee meetings , such as Public Health , Welfare , and Labor , where many of our front-line advocacy takes place , but this year was a little different . Due to COVID restrictions , participation in the committee rooms was limited due to social distancing requirements ; however , physicians still masked up and were able to serve .
Regardless of the restrictions , the Doctors of the Day had many opportunities to provide health care to members of the Legislature , legislative employees , and other guests who were at the Capitol on that day . The Legislative Infirmary features its very own exam room equipped with basic exam equipment , and physician coverage is scheduled each day the Legislature is in session , typically January through April . It is also staffed with two experienced nurses to assist in any minor medical situation that may arise .
After experiencing a minor medical issue , Rep . Mark McElroy reminded the House of the importance of having the Doctor of the Day on site . He said , “ They took care of me like I was one of their own . You don ’ t realize how much stress we have on us down here , and we really need them here . I want to say a personal thank you to them ,” McElroy said . If situations become serious , MEMS is also available to help the doctors if necessary .
Omar Atiq , MD , greets Rep . Andrew Collins on the floor of the House of Representatives on the day he served at the Capitol as Doctor of the Day .
Doctors of the Day represent a diverse audience of different specialties and organizations . “ Many of our Doctors of the Day have served year after year ,” says AMS Legislative Support Specialist and Doctor of the Day Program Coordinator Laura Hawkins , “ but we ’ ve added some new faces to the list this year . It ’ s always exciting to share this experience with someone who hasn ’ t seen firsthand the proceedings of state government .”
“ The Doctor of the Day program is a gem for Arkansas physicians ,” said Rep . Steve Magie , MD , “ People respect the doctors who come to the Capitol to serve , and it ’ s a great way for members to get involved .”
It ’ s so important for our members to have a physical presence at the Capitol during legislative session in order to bring the voice of medicine to the Arkansas legislators . We appreciate all of our volunteers who have served our legislators , employees , and guests during this session .
The Arkansas Medical Society and the Arkansas Department of Health would like to share our sincere gratitude to the Capitol Infirmary nurses , Brenda Huett , RN , and Sherry Barnard , RN , for their service during the 93rd General Assembly . Barnard and Huett have served in this capacity for seven years . From right : Huett ,
Jeffrey Kirsch , MD , and Barnard .
20 • The Journal of the Arkansas Medical Society www . ArkMed . org