PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Health and Safety for All

Public health and preventative care necessitate we encourage policies based on science and truth in a manner consistent with quality care. We need policies that allow the physician and the patient to make the call on what care is appropriate without third-party interference. For example, the US Supreme Court's recent Dobbs ruling inserts state governments in the relationship between us and our patients, thus affecting the health and safety of all. 

In the July/August edition of SSV Medicine magazine, Megan Babb, DO says, “As a physician, I swore an oath to remain objective in the pursuit of an individual’s right to health. Since we all have taken that oath, doesn’t the physician collective as a whole have a responsibility to set aside personal opinions and stand openly in opposition to policies – and the individuals in power supporting them for that matter – that we know cause irreparable harm?”

Effectively advocating for preserving our private conversations, relationships, and recommended care with patients requires a physician’s touch – we don’t simply treat the symptoms but the causes by taking back the narratives. We need to get in front of policy-makers, in front of the media, in front of the community, and in front of individuals to make these changes. Be accurate, be concise, be respectful, be a resource.

Dr. Babb says we’ve been left out of these discussions. She’s right. Let’s fix that.

As soon as you can, contact your local representatives – introduce yourself as a constituent and make yourself a resource on health matters.

Paul D. Reynolds, MD

SSVMS President

FIND MY

READ THE JULY/AUGUST ISSUE OF SIERRA SACRAMENTO VALLEY MEDICINE