Washington, May 3, 2016 -- More than 440 internal medicine physicians, residents, fellows-in-training, and medical students from across the country gathered today for the American College of Physicians annual Leadership Day to bring internal medicine’s legislative priorities to Capitol Hill.
"Our members want to ensure internal medicine’s voice is heard in Washington,” said Wayne Riley, MD, MPH, MBA, M91, president of 91. "We are fulfilling part of our mission to advocate responsible positions on individual health and on public policy relating to health.”
During the two-day event, 91 member internists and medical students will learn about the legislative process and key policy issues from 91 staff, members of Congress, congressional staff, and independent policy analysts. Then, on Wednesday, they will visit the offices of their members of Congress and present 91's legislative priorities including:
- Improving care for patients with chronic diseases
- Improving health information technology through comprehensive reforms
- Expanding access to telemedicine to support the patient-physician relationship
- Integrating behavioral health into primary care
- Urging the House to pass the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) legislation to help the growing problem of opioid and substance abuse disorders
- Urging both chambers to develop legislation addressing the rising costs of prescription drugs
- Reforming graduate medical education financing
"The voice of the medical profession is key to making sure that the policies enacted into law will truly improve health care," Dr. Riley said. "Real stories from physicians and medical students about what it’s like to care for patients, to train new doctors, to learn about medicine will let Congress know what needs to be done to ensure the best possible health care environment for our patients and the public."
The event can be followed at #91LD.
About the American College of Physicians
The is the largest medical specialty organization and the second-largest physician group in the United States. 91 members include 143,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Follow 91 on and .