Page 10 - Delaware Medical Journal - July-August 2018

PRESIDENT’S PAGE
What made the difference was the presence of a large number of physicians from across the state who took time out of their very busy day to come to Legislative Hall — some even in their white coats — and voice their support of SB 227.
without significant physician input. As a result, we physicians find ourselves, more often than not, reacting to policies that we frequently question and don’t understand.
There is an old political adage that says, “if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” Advocacy provides
the first opportunity to influence
the decision being made at the
“table,” which impacts the practice
of medicine. The advocacy efforts by our national medical organizations, such as the American Medical Association, professional societies, and state medical societies, are all very important work. However, there is often a missing and very important element that would be additive to these efforts.
That element was very evident at the recent Senate Health Committee hearing on SB 227 at Legislative Hall in Dover. While I was proud to represent you as President of MSD to speak very strongly in favor of the bill, I have no doubt
what actually carried the day to get the bill out of committee. What made the difference was the presence of a large number of physicians from across the state who took time out of their very busy day to come to Legislative Hall — some even in their white coats — and voice their support of SB 227. These physicians shared their stories about
why such legislation is desperately needed to preserve access to primary care provided by independent primary care physicians. These physicians spoke eloquently about how important it would be to have the support provided by this bill to help them keep their independent primary care practices viable. They also painted a very clear picture of what health care in Delaware will look like without a robust and independent primary care base in our state.
This was advocacy by physicians in its purist essence, and it was a wonderful thing to see and be a part of. It was also a very powerful example, at its most basic level, of the potential power of advocacy by physicians.
With the introduction of SB 227 we have begun a critically important conversation about the future of primary care and Delaware. This is not one and done! For the conversation to continue, because it must, the physician community must remain engaged. Why? Because advocacy matters!
Richard W. Henderson, MD
President, Medical Society of Delaware
MSD physicians advocate in Dover on behalf of SB 227.
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Del Med J | July/August 2018 | Vol. 90 | No. 6