How do the Medical Care Section, APHA, and the fortunes of the United States all fit together?  Clearly all are caught in a reactionary political period following the economic crisis and the political progress that moved the country closer to the goal of having everyone under the health care “tent.”  No one should recognize the reaction that has followed better than our president, who described in clear terms the reverse swing of the political pendulum that followed the 1960s civil rights and antiwar movements in his first book, “The Audacity of Hope”.  The outcome of our evolving political landscape will depend on the strength of our institutions including the media, our economy, and the effects of climate change which have thus far been significantly under-rated.  We are under duress.  But we should note that the United States has emerged from earlier periods of perplexing technological change and shifting organizational and geopolitical relationships with strong “Win the Future” attitudes and capabilities.     

How does this affect us in the public health sector?  My own top three priorities are innovating toward a healthier future (public health), protecting health reform, and addressing climate change.  Personally, I try to be involved in all three areas.  I am on a Green Committee that addresses the carbon footprint of my institutions, I teach policy and educate about the benefits of health reform in my community, and I work to re-invent primary care by incorporating elements of the chronic care model (self management, a broader cohesive office team, and better measurement) and the Patient Centered Medical Home. Each person has to set their own priorities; but there is no lack of worthy objects of your energy.  

The Medical Care Section is charting a course with priorities that reflect its members.  Ellen Shaffer covers developments in health reform through her EQUAL Health Network.  Ollie Fein continues to speak in favor of single payer systems.  Wayne Myers is educating us about the farm subsidy program.  (Note the subsidies for commodities in our agricultural system.)  Renee Carter is on a regional board of Planned Parenthood which will step up defense of its contraceptive activities which are threatened because it is also an abortion provider.   Gordy Schiff is working with a network of practices to improve patient safety.  Julie Zito is guest editor of a special edition of the journal Medical Care that will be issued on the 50th anniversary of FDA reviewer Frances Kelsey’s decision to refuse approval of Thalidomide in America.  At our recent mid-year meeting, there was interest in inviting speakers on these topics and others. 

We seek to recruit new members, encourage student APHA members to join us, and identify new leaders to succeed us in leading the Section and APHA.   Committed public health advocates with drive, ambition and eagerness to find and build solutions should join us.

Regards, 

Mona Sarfaty MD, MPH, Chair of the Medical Care Section