We are working with SMS staff to identify and train physicians who will serve as key legislative contacts. This is particularly important in City of Milwaukee districts where few if any physicians live. Despite the lack of glamour, it is essential to the operation of our health care system. Our colleagues, both members and non-members need to be reminded of what is accomplished through your dues dollars. They and their patients benefit from the work of organized medicine and it is our jobs as members and leaders to encourage non-members to join.
Organized medicine works in collaboration with each other and with others.
We have evolved from a closed professional society that met over dinner to read case reports to each other, into one that works cooperatively with the community it serves to strengthen and continue to build the world s best health care system. That s why we honored some journalists tonight for bringing public attention to the growing problem of providing mental health care and social services to those in need. The current situation is unacceptable. As a profession we will work in collaboration with government, employers, insurers and families to solve the problem. And, it needs to be done sooner rather than later.