AMA President Kicks Off AMA Meeting Focused on Health Reform

AMA President Says Now is a 'Defining Moment' in History for the AMA

HOUSTON, Nov. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Calling this a "defining moment" for the
American Medical Association (AMA), the AMA President J. James Rohack, M.D.,
today addressed medical students and fellow physicians from all state and
medical specialty societies at the opening of the AMA's semi-annual
policy-making meeting, where health system reform will top the agenda.

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"Over the next 72 hours, this AMA House of Delegates will debate issues on
health reform that will impact our nation - and our profession - for years to
come," said Dr. Rohack. "We've done more than any single organization to
advance medical education, public health and the position of trust and respect
physicians hold in our society."

The AMA's House of Delegates meeting brings together the nation's broadest,
most inclusive representation of physicians and medical students. Delegates
representing every state and specialty debate and vote on behalf of their
peers. "Our history, heritage, bylaws and ethics directs the AMA to represent
the physician community in as broad a way possible," said Dr. Rohack.

Dr. Rohack outlined seven critical elements that the AMA sees as essential to
achieving meaningful health system reform: cover all Americans; expand choice
and eliminate denials based on "pre-existing" conditions; protect the
patient-physician relationship; promote quality, prevention and wellness;
repeal the Medicare physician payment formula; reduce defensive medicine and
streamline administrative processes.

"There's been much to like in some of the legislative proposals - and by being
involved early in the process, the AMA has been able to influence it," said
Dr. Rohack. "Just as the treatment of disease is a process, so too is the path
of reform."

Dr. Rohack concluded the opening address by calling on his colleagues to
embrace this defining moment for the AMA, "When this House of Delegates leaves
for home on Tuesday, let it be noted that we met to do the right thing for our
patients and our medical profession - by putting patients first. When the next
history of the AMA is written, let it say that when we came to our crossroads,
we chose the road best taken - and lived up to our sacred obligation. This is
the moment. This history is in your hands."

To read Dr. Rohack's full address please visit:
http://www.ama-assn.org/assets/meeting/mm/rohack-speech.pdf

About the American Medical Association
The American Medical Association helps doctors help patients by uniting
physicians nationwide to work on the most important professional and public
health issues. Working together, the AMA's quarter of a million physician and
medical student members are playing an active role in shaping the future of
medicine. For more information on the AMA, please visit www.ama-assn.org.
Follow AMA on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AmerMedicalAssn

SOURCE American Medical Association

Leah Dudowicz, +1-713-853-8365, +1-312-972-1942