Force of Nature

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Force of Nature => Winter 2005

John Burigo, M.D.

Mother Nature assaulted our state again last fall, leaving us with the realization that there are things in our lives over which we truly have no control. Over the past two decades many of us have developed a similar attitude about our control over the direction of medicine. Regarding the former, we have no choice but to wait for the cyclic changes in the forces of nature; regarding the latter, we do have the power to use our collective intellect, financial strength, and willpower to effect change against seemingly insurmountable odds. As in nature, our impact is the greatest when our eyes are focused on the issues and our force is collectively concentrated in the same direction.

This legislative season promises to raise issues that will once again challenge our ability to continue to provide easily accessed quality medical care. There will be those who will propose mandatory malpractice coverage for physicians "for the protection of patients," when, in fact, they want to bolster a diminishing number of potential litigants. Others will propose "to protect patients" by giving parents expanded rights to sue on behalf of their unborn children. No doubt other bills will be introduced that, if passed, would have the ultimate effect of limiting access to care, drive competent physicians to other states or into retirement, and breach the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship.

In defense of the house of medicine, the FMA will attempt to sponsor legislation to create some control over the “experts” testifying in malpractice cases. They will also continue their efforts to protect the right of physicians to self insure and oppose scope-of-practice expansions for non-physicians.

Our FOGS board has created a task force to work with NICA to reevaluate the program and to determine if there are possibilities for expansion of coverage. Hopefully, by next summer the task force will be in a position to suggest changes that could make NICA available to a broader spectrum of needy infants. Any recommendations that may be made will require legislation to enact.

All of these things will be occurring day to day while each of us is busy practicing medicine. It is imperative that we take time at regular intervals to monitor legislative activity and to participate in e-mail and letter campaigns to legislators in order to let our collective voice be heard. The staff in each legislator's office tallies the yeas and nays regarding each issue in order to gauge public sentiment. Not making your position known is equivalent to casting a vote for the opposing view. The organizations that represent us have their eye on the important issues, but it is up to each of us to follow their lead and direct our collective force to create a storm surge of support for—or opposition to—the causes that affect our practices, our patients, and our profession.

It is really very simple. Make it a habit once a week to go to the FOGS Website (www.flobyn.org) and follow the link "Legislative Activity". You will there find a link to state and/or national issues. Follow the links and instructions in order to easily send e-mail to your personal legislators and/or committee chairs regarding issues pertinent to women's health.

These simple acts, repeated by hundreds of people, can and do sway legislators' opinions. Let the force be with us.