In The Face of Reforms, Medical Professionals Turn to Local Organizations
By Maureen Gazda
While many view the American Medical Association as the primary professional organization for physicians in the United States, recent decisions made by the organization have significantly decreased physician membership. For example, this year, the AMA experienced a backlash from physicians across the country after coming out in support of the new healthcare reform bill. The AMA’s endorsement of the bill led to harsh criticism, strong opposition, and demonstrations. "I was surprised, shocked and saddened,” said Donald J. Palmisano, former president of the American Medical Society. “I am a loyal member of the AMA, a lifetime member, but I believe the AMA made a serious mistake in endorsing this bill.” In addition, eleven state, county and specialty medical societies formed a coalition and sent a letter to Capitol Hill detailing strong disagreement with the creation of a public option and other parts of the bill. Since the passage of the controversial bill, the AMA has seen a large decrease in physician memberships and recent research has shown that only twenty percent of American physicians belong to the AMA. Many angered physicians are choosing not to renew their AMA memberships and are opting to shift all of their focus to their local state, district and specialty medical organizations.
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A Home Run for Eldercare Professionals : Inspiration from “The Voice of Fenway Park”
By by Joan Long
On the last Tuesday of every month, the Western Massachusetts Eldercare Professionals Association (WMEPA) holds its regular meeting for members, but previous meetings likely have not sparked such spirited discussion within or elicited such loud giggles as the one hosted in June at Heritage Woods in Agawam, especially in reference to certain members of the New York Yankees and their antics when playing in Boston. Carl Beane, “The Voice of Fenway Park,” spoke to the group about the Red Sox, blending stories of players with witty personal experiences that wove a common thread for listeners: the preservation of memories. He pointed out that Karen Knight’s business,
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The Doctor in Your Living Room Medical Professional Rejects Medical Insurance in Search of a Kinder, More Preventative Model
by Tina Rulewicz
Aggravated by declining insurance reimbursement rates and increasing pressure from pharmaceutical companies, three years ago, Dr. Richard Ochrym took a drastic stand against current medical norms. Dr. Ochrym closed his Dover Plains, NY, practice, stopped accepting insurance, and began a primary care practice out of his home in Salisbury, CT.
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A Fixed Match: The Future and Nursing Jobs
By Christopher M. Ajello
The recent global economic crisis has
brought disarray to the health care industry.
As hospitals in America suffer, nurses,
who once were in inexhaustible demand,
now find themselves in a much tougher,
more competitive job climate.
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