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An official publication of the ACR and the ARP serving rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals

Opinion: Politics Should Not Trump Science in Medicine

John A. Goldman, MD  |  Issue: April 2016  |  

Changes in medicine should include a rational, fact-driven, common-sense approach to change supported by scientific evidence. It should be evidence driven and not public policy driven—unless there is a clear, measureable public health benefit. We, as physicians, and our patients have the most to lose, but we have had the least input. All voices need to be heard before these programs are put into practice. This system of crony capitalism is hurting healthcare and practitioners.

We need to bring science back into medicine and medical decision making. We need to make medicine great again!

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For information on how you can help, email [email protected] or visit the ACR’s Legislative Action Center.

John A. Goldman, MDJohn A. Goldman, MD, is a former clinical professor of medicine, Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. He is currently president of medical quarters and chief of rheumatology at Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital, Atlanta. He is in solo rheumatology, immunology and osteoporosis practice in Sandy Springs, Ga. He has been named a Master of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and a Fellow of the ACP, and is a certified clinical densitometrist.

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Editor’s note: This article was adapted with permission from an article that originally appeared in RheumNow (Nov. 25, 2015).

Let Your Voice Be Heard

All rheumatologists are encouraged to join or renew membership with the American Medical Association (AMA). It is of critical importance that the voice of our specialty be heard at the AMA and that we keep our seat at the table that influences our profession and our practice. You can join or renew.

We also need your help to continue to grow the ACR delegation and the voice of rheumatology in the House of Delegates. If you are already an AMA member, it is very important that you review your information and cast your ballot for the ACR to represent you. Cast your vote.

References

  1. Kavanaugh A. The electronic medical record: The good, the bad and the ugly. RheumNow. 2015 May 4.
  2. American Medical Association. Press release: AMA calls for design overhaul of electronic health records to improve usability. 2014 Sep 16.
  3. Schloss EJ. Why healthcare documentation is so bad. Blog: Left to My Own Devices.
  4. Croft SM. The argument against ICD-10 implementation. Neurology Advisor. 2015 Jul 22.

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