Few could have predicted the remarkable changes in American society over the past 5-10 years. Regardless of political leanings, I do believe we can agree that much has happened to surprise us all. Medicine has certainly not been spared from these changes. As physicians, we have witnessed increases in physicians becoming employees, regional health system consolidation, and the emergence of private equity impacting the delivery of care on both the inpatient and outpatient environment. Even the bases upon which we communicate and connect – grand rounds, hospital staff meetings, and social events – all look very different now than in the days before a global pandemic. At times, it feels as if we are on a unique journey few outside of our profession. However, there is one group that is on our confusing odyssey right along with us – our patients. Each time we change our practice locations, employment status, insurance participation or where we deliver care, our patients are having to adapt right along with us. And they need us now more than ever.
Physicians, along with our nursing colleagues, have long been viewed as being trustworthy in our community as a profession. While this trust has been questioned recently by forces beyond our direct control, we are still part of the privileged partners who our neighbors look to when their health or the health of their loved ones is in question. This is not a role we have ever taken lightly. It is essential we continue to be present and engaged with our patients as the circumstances we all find ourselves in regarding access to care and affordability of medical services are in question. To live up to this standard, we must recommit ourselves to each other as a profession and, most importantly, to our patients.
While we are all physicians, we may not share the same specialty, world view or political preferences. However, we are bound together by our shared desire to provide the best care for our community when and where it is needed. In that spirit, I am challenging all of us to look for fellow physicians who share these common purposes and invite them to join the York County Medical Society. Let us work together to support our profession as together we stand up for the health and well-being of our community. While there are many differences in our specific perspectives, there is far more that we as physicians have in common – the trust of science as the foundation of our work, the desire to safeguard the well-being of our patients, and belief that our community deserves the highest quality healthcare delivered with compassion and authenticity.
In service,
Dr. Matt Howie