The Reluctant Participant

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The Reluctant Participant => Fall 2005

John Burigo, M.D.

As an obstetrician, I share the same joys, fears and concerns that many of you experience in an increasingly litigious and hostile environment. I enjoy the technological advances in our specialty in the field of minimally invasive surgery, however, I can only imagine that grappling with learning curves, time management and fair compensation is increasingly difficult for any professional new to the field. As a manager of my own practice, I spend considerable time negotiating with insurers, reviewing regulatory policies and evaluating the feasibility and cost effectiveness of newer mechanisms for billing and maintaining medical records. Recently, my practice decided that we could no longer afford malpractice insurance and joined the ranks of many who have gone before us in more southern counties by "going bare." I understand the issues that trouble our specialty, but the question is - How do we affect change and protect our interests in the current climate?

Several years ago one of my partners encouraged me to get more involved with FOGS. I must admit - I was a reluctant participant. I, like many of you, was disillusioned by where medicine was heading and felt that there was little anyone could do to reverse our fate. I thought that if I just plugged along and practiced good medicine that somehow things would get better. Sure, I had a few good ideas along the way that helped our group to flourish, but someone else would have to fight the big battles because I didn't have the time or the knowledge. But who would fight?

I have come to recognize that the only Florida organization that represents our interests 100% of the time is FOGS. I have learned that the power of a few committed individuals can effect change in a positive way and deflect, delay or eliminate changes that are proposed by individuals or organizations that seek to do us harm. I have learned that our legislators are often handicapped by a poor understanding of issues concerning medicine, oftentimes because groups with interests contrary to our own have intentionally misinformed them. I have learned that legislators welcome an open dialogue and value information from a physician's point of view. I have also learned that a $500 check donated to a "friendly" legislator's campaign fund is valuable. Election laws have leveled the playing field somewhat because the maximum contribution for any individual or organization is $500. Influence is related to how many checks your organization has to go around! I have learned that it is invaluable to have a lobbyist that understands women's healthcare, and that we have the best with Amy Young. But even with all of this knowledge, we still need to do more to protect our practice. What does the overworked, underpaid, underappreciated OB/GYN do now?

The answer is clear, P-A-R-T-I-C-I-P-A-T-E. Your participation can be silent or vocal, even reluctant. Either way, it will make an impact on women's healthcare and the specialty that you chose to dedicate your life to. I am not asking you to become a Tallahassee lobbyist; we have a great one already. But lobby your colleagues at home who have hesitated to join and help increase our membership. I am not asking you to speak to legislators (although it would be great if you did); we have a FOGS board that is ready and willing to do that for you. They already receive invaluable assistance from past presidents who did not just pass the torch - they chose instead to ignite other torches while continuing to run with theirs. I am asking for your financial support. Support the PAC and enhance the ability of those who will speak on your behalf to be more effective in Tallahassee. If you didn't send your PAC dues with your last dues payment, then send it now, and when you receive your 2006 dues statement, send in your PAC dues again! Join the Leadership Club - your pledge to send personal checks up to a total of $1000 over two years to individuals sympathetic to our cause may seem like a large commitment, however, I assure you that it pales in comparison to what you stand to lose if impending legislation is passed.

I know I speak for our Board of Directors when I say that we are enthusiastic about serving your interests over the coming year. We anticipate a tough fight on some very crucial issues and ask you to support us in every possible way so that we can maximize our influence. We have a great specialty that impacts the lives of so many; don't let it slip away because you were too reluctant to participate.