Po-Yin Samuel Huang, MD
The Bigger Picture
When our airwaves and social media become filled with campaign ads and political arguments, we know the election season is upon us. It is the time to exert our right to govern as members of a democratic society. Instead of a sprint for the last few months, this election cycle felt like a marathon since 2016. No matter where one belongs on the political spectrum, the constant barrage of partisan punditry and divisive rhetoric is wearing down everyone’s patience and pushing people to their corners of ideology. Each election can bring about changes in the policies that may drastically affect our practice of medicine. From local ordinances to federal legislation to supreme court ruling, a simple idea may turn into a complex maze of unintended consequences. As family physicians, we are not immune to these effects. The more one cares, the harder it hits. How can we move forward towards a better future?
Just like treating patients, perhaps we should take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Keeping our differentials broad and having the best interest of our patients in mind. First, be present and participate. We desperately need family physicians’ voices be heard at all levels of policy making. Actively listen, then provide sound guidance is what we are trained to and strive to do. Let us apply this to our political engagement. When looking at the pros and cons, take into consideration how each policy will affect our patients and our ability to care for them. While patients may be non-compliant, we stand ready to bridge the gap of their knowledge and hope to move the dial with each visit. Similarly, when holding conflicting views, let us be the voice of reason and build consensus to advance our cause, one step at a time.
Regardless of the results of this upcoming election, let us family physicians not be content with whatever victories gained or wallow in whatever sorrow of battles lost. Let us be steadfast in our efforts to improve the lives of our patients and our colleagues. There are several ways to stay involved. Joining the grassroots efforts of various physician organization is a great way to start. Attending CAFP’s All Members’ Advocacy Meeting (AMAM) on 3/9-11/2019 can be a great way to equip oneself to advocate for issues important to our patients and our profession. If unable to attend in person, donating to the Family Physicians Political Action Committee (FP-PAC) is another way to ensure family medicine values are being represented at the table. Participating in policy making in various physician groups can also bring forward the importance of primary care as the key to the betterment of public health. Let us heed the call to be family medicine fierce and be the change agent in the political environment today!
