Message from the Medical Society of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties President

Medical Society
of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties

6405 Metcalf Avenue
Suite 507
Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66202

Phone: 913.432.9444
Fax:913.432.9004
msjwc@msjwc.org

Why the Medical Society?
by Jay Murphy, MD

We live in a complex and rapidly evolving society. Our profession of medicine may be the stellar example of the pace of that change. Medical science has extended the average life expectancy of Americans 25 to 30 years over the last century. Previously fatal diseases are now often curable or relegated to chronic, controllable illnesses by current therapies. Experimental treatments and less invasive surgeries hold the promise to further extend health and lessen suffering in the generations to come.

In spite of these successes we have a well publicized “health care crisis” which has captivated the consciousness of the public and our national government. How do we as a society supply medical care and pay for medical care for our citizens?

As the 2010 president of the Medical Society of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties I would like to assure you that I have all the answers and the perfect solution, but I don’t. I only have opinions. I will allow the more learned and studied to proffer cures to the “health care crisis.”

But I would like to explore the role of the Medical Society in a physician’s practice and allocation of time. I strongly believe that we have no better resource than the summed abilities of physicians in impacting and positively influencing the health and well being of the citizens of our counties.

Over the past three decades there has been a decrease in participation among physicians in the Medical Society. This may be understandable as we all participate in multiple organizations:

· The administration of our various practices

· Hospital medical staffs

· Specialty organizations

· Subspecialty organizations

· Foundations related to any of the above

Our hospitals may be geographic competitors to supply medical services and our specialty societies may overlap in various diagnostics and procedures. Sometimes representing the interests of the organizations we support puts us in opposition to other physicians within our own geographic area.

Such competition ignores our common experiences. How many of the memories below do you share with me from your medical career?

When asked during your medical school interview “Why do you want to be a Doctor?” replying “I just want to help people.”
Waking up with your head in an open textbook and having no idea what you read or how long ago you read it.
A sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when, comparing answers post testing, you realized your colleague came up with a different answer for a certain question, and their answer was correct.
The first time you donned a white coat.
The sweaty palms and feelings of inadequacy the first time you approached a patient alone to complete a History and Physical.
Practicing tying surgical knots around the bedpost in the on call room or placing sutures in an orange.
Experiencing the miracle of birth but knowing you are the one responsible for not dropping the baby.
The anticipation and exhilaration of “Match Day.”
Entering practice, running on adrenaline and realizing long days and irregular hours do not end when you complete residency or fellowship training.
Trying to understand, let alone comply with, Medicare and health insurance billing guidelines.
The frustration of knowing there is nothing else to do for a terminal patient other than comfort their grieving family.
The satisfaction the last time all the hard work and medical knowledge allowed you the privilege of helping somebody.

The Medical Society allows us multiple opportunities to celebrate our shared history together and apply our unique abilities and ideas collectively to impact the “health care crisis” at least on a local level. Here are some of the opportunities to consider:

1. Preceptor program: Host a politician, health insurance provider, press correspondent personally see what a day in the life of a doctor is really like.

2. Science day: Doctors needed as judges for local high school science fair competition

3. State Medical Society Meeting delegate: Represent MSWJC at state KMS meeting where there will be:

a. executive physician representatives to update activities of the AMA.

b. updates of State legislative measures affecting medical practice (this year this will, no doubt, include the Kansas Supreme Court review of the constitutionality of the current cap on financial award for pain and suffering in malpractice cases which, if reversed, will surely raise malpractice premiums in the State).

c. resolutions for implementation at a State level and/or recommendations for discussion at the national AMA meeting.

4. Legislative breakfast: A chance to meet, greet and discourse with local legislators.

5. Health policies CME conference: One day conference in Fall on health care policy (agenda and date pending)

6. Wy/Jo Care Program: Physicians volunteering time to consult on uninsured patients identified by area health clinics as requiring subspecialty care.

7. Recognition Dinner: Thank you for the physicians volunteering time to the Wy/Jo Care Program, additional chance to meet local legislators, and speaker on a health care topic.

8. Golf Tournament: Golf with your partner for the coveted Wy/Jo Care Charity Cup. Win/win situation because if you don’t win golf, the proceeds support the Wy/Jo Care Program (May 13^th at The Golf Club of Kansas).

9. Holiday Party: A chance to celebrate the holidays, our shared history and renew old acquaintances.

10. Membership: Supports all the programs and legislative efforts above. Eligible for KaMMCO malpractice insurance.

For those of you who are members of the Medical Society of Johnson and Wyandotte County, thank you for your support and commitment. To all other physicians, please consider attending at least one function of the Medical Society to show your support. Come and celebrate our shared history. Come and add your unique contribution to a vision for a brighter medical future for ourselves, our patients, our counties, our State and ultimately our nation.