DJP 4-20-2005 AMA Update: CAP (Coalition for Accessible Physicians) Rally at US Capitol

 

My AMA speech today at the U.S. Capitol rally organized by Dr. Ruth Schulze of New Jersey can be found at:

http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/14977.html

 

Approximately 3000 physicians came by bus from multiple states to the Capitol.  Much praise to Dr. Schulze for all of her efforts!

 

The last portion of my AMA speech is reproduced below:

 

....So do most of our fellow citizens – 72 percent of Americans support limits on awards for non-economic damages. They understand the heavy toll that excessive litigation is taking on our health care system – and on their pocketbooks.

 

The AMA has assembled more than 450,000 of our patients – who are activists on this issue. They have asked us how they can help.

And the AMA's document "Medical Liability Reform Now!" offers the facts on the issue and debunks the myths. Go to our website and read it.

The facts, the truth, are on the side of reform.

 

Yet action on this legislation has been stalled by filibusters in the U.S. Senate, even though such reforms are supported by a wide majority of Americans, a wide majority in the House of Representatives, President Bush, and a growing list of U.S. Senators.

 

What will it take for the opponents of reform – to recognize the damage that is being done to access to medical care?

 

How much longer will a woman have to find a new obstetrician because their trusted family physician is no longer delivering babies?

 

How much longer will the victim of a head injury have to wait for trauma care – and lose the "golden hour" that can mean life or death? What will it take to change the minds – of those who oppose reform?

 

We say, the time to act – is now. That is why the AMA will continue our efforts nationally and in the states – to advance the cause of reform.

With state, local and specialty medical societies around the county, the AMA has been working hard on this issue to find a solution. Today, we ask you to carry forward your fight for reform.

 

We need your energy – your commitment – your involvement – to wage this battle to make reform a reality.

 

Access to quality medical care in this country – and the lives of our patients – is at stake.

 

I urge our lawmakers to do the right thing – do what is necessary to ensure that when patients need care, physicians are there to provide it.

And I ask our Senators to think about the consequences for our patients – their constituents – if this crisis continues to fester.

 

Thank you for coming today. Thank you for bringing this powerful message to the doorstep of the capitol – and the lawmakers – here in Washington.

 

We have to lift our many voices – in a single refrain for reform. Because different messages are fodder for inaction. They give lawmakers an excuse not to pass meaningful reform.

 

An overwhelming force – speaking with one message. It doesn't matter what your philosophical or political leaning might be – patient access to care is not a partisan issue.

 

Together, we can make a difference. Together, we will make a change. Because together, we are stronger. God bless you, and God bless America."

 

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Donald J. Palmisano, MD, JD

AMA Immediate Past-President