Hundreds of physicians, medical students, residents and fellows met in Chicago to consider a wide array of proposals to help fulfill the AMA's core mission of promoting medicine and improving public health.
Why physician leadership is key
AMA Immediate Past President David O. Barbe, MD, MHA, said sustained physician leadership can bring consensus solutions to difficult issues, including one that he called “the devastating crisis of our time”—America’s epidemic of gun violence.
James L. Madara, MD, the AMA’s executive vice president and CEO, explained how the AMA is flipping the health care construct by helping to incorporate the physician perspective into new technology and put patients and doctors first.
And new AMA President Barbara L. McAneny, MD—the first oncologist to hold the office—said in her inaugural address that the U.S. health system is ailing, but that doctors are perfectly positioned to fix it. Patients, she said, are counting on physicians “to step up and create a system that is worthy” of their trust.
Policy actions, educational sessions
Here are the top 10 news stories from our coverage of the meeting’s policy actions and guest speakers. Read full coverage at AMA Wire®.
AMA backs common-sense measures to prevent gun injuries, deaths
Delegates back gun-violence restraining orders, tougher background checks and better data collection, among other actions.
Surgeon general to AMA: Look upstream to prevent nation’s ills
U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, MD, challenged his fellow AMA delegates to lead a civil discussion on issues critical to helping patients live longer, healthier lives.
Patrice A. Harris, MD, wins office of AMA president-elect
Dr. Harris, chair of the AMA Opioid Task Force, is the first African-American woman to hold the office. Next year, the Atlanta psychiatrist will become the first black woman to be sworn in as president of the AMA.
AMA seeks to boost affordability, competition in ACA marketplaces
Nearly 12 million people obtained coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces this year. The AMA adopts policies to improve the exchanges.
Health care AI holds promise, but physicians’ perspective needed
In its first time addressing the topic of “augmented intelligence,” the AMA lays out a road map for health care AI to ensure quality, protect patient rights.
AMA: Remove barriers to opioid-use disorder treatment
Treating opioid-use disorder as a chronic disease means eliminating stigma and removing barriers to treatment.
Physicians adopt plan to combat pay gap in medicine
Reports show pay disparities among male and female physicians after accounting for other factors. The AMA will advocate a wide array of measures to address the issue.
AMA puts its organizational muster behind health equity push
Physicians define “health equity” as optimal health for all. The move is aimed at eliminating disparities affecting racial and ethnic minorities and other populations.
Precision medicine should have its play in new pay models
The tailored approach to delivering care should be incorporated into alternative payment models, the AMA House of Delegates says.
Doctors oppose policy that splits kids from caregivers at border
The government's zero-tolerance approach at border could create a lifetime of trauma for children affected. The AMA calls for the policy to end.
The 2018 AMA Interim Meeting will take place Nov. 10–13 in National Harbor, Maryland.
