Founded in 1874, the Greene County Medical Society has provided a voice for generations of southwest Missouri physicians. As with most membership organizations, the GCMS needed to address changes in medicine and membership. To remain relevant we had to evaluate how we “do” organized medicine in Springfield, Missouri. Under the leadership of 2015 President Robert B. Shaw, Jr., MD, our Society made plans to modernize our society in hopes of continuing our success in today’s changing times.
Setting Goals in 2015
Our first goal was to be more aggressive in showing younger physicians the relevance of becoming a member. We began the communication process by setting up a Facebook page and establishing new procedures to reach out to young physicians when they move to our area. We looked for opportunities to share how much GCMS advocates for all physicians and how important it is to be involved with legislative decision-making at the local, state and national level. This was a great year to show that relevance as Missouri did pass Tort reform. Our Society was involved with White Coat day in Jefferson City and individual physicians lobbied many local politicians to help the cause.
2016 GCMS President
Alexander Hover, MD
2015 GCMS President
Robert B. Shaw, Jr., MD
Our second goal was to improve our relationships with the nearby hospitals. GCMS leadership had meetings with our local hospitals and identified areas where we can work together. The biggest one at this time is Medicaid expansion. We will also continuing to partner with the hospitals in the public health domain. Together, we can fight for improving patient care and access, which will benefit us all.
The third goal was to become more efficient and make sound economic decisions. With that goal in mind, we sold the Woodhurst building, our home for 29 years, and moved into a more efficient, modern space. This was a difficult but necessary decision that allows us to spend less money per month and not be strapped to an aging building that would likely require much investment in the future. We also now have funds to create a financial plan to help ensure our successful continuation for decades to come.
Through the year of change and evaluation, the GCMS continued regular activities, including CME programs, Retired Physician lunches, Committees, Advocacy, Public Health activities, as well as social events such as the annual picnic and golf tournament.
GMCS Alliance
While continuing promotion of their educational DVDs, Smoking Makes Me Ugly! and Pills Are Not A Party!, the GCMS Alliance moved forward with new projects. The 2015 Doctors’ Day project raised $15,000 to purchase a van for the LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home. In September in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Stop America’s Violence Everywhere (SAVE) initiative, the GMCS Alliance distributed 4,000 copies of the booklet “I Can Be Safe” to first grade students in Springfield and surrounding towns.
For the 2016 Doctors’ Day project, the GCMSA has invited Kim Blackham, LMFT, and physician spouse from Tampa, Florida, to speak on “Nurturing the Medical Marriage.” The Alliance will honor Springfield doctors and their spouses with a buffet dinner and this presentation on Tuesday, March 29. The GCMS Alliance will continue other health education projects as well as popular monthly social activities, including Coffee, Crepes and Conversation (a morning gathering for brunch) and Tuesday Social Hour (a 4–6 p.m. afternoon event).
Moving Forward in 2016
Following several months of downsizing, packing and moving, the GCMS invited members to an Open House in December to see our new office space which is located near the Mercy Springfield campus. In a much smaller space, we were still able to incorporate a number of our interesting medical “antiques” in the décor, and our Journal archives are available for member use. In addition to our own office suite, the new building offers large shared conference and media rooms that are available for Society needs.
The year is off to a busy start. In addition to regular Board and Committee, the Executive Council members will participate in a strategic planning retreat in February to review the Greene County Medical Society’s position and action needed for Public Health issues, Mission/Vision statement, Advocacy, and Engagement of Members. The officers will meet with financial advisers to map out an investment plan for the future. CME activities resume in February. In addition, the GCMS Journal is celebrating 75 years of publication.
2016 President Alex Hover has encouraged our members to face challenges and opportunities. First, we must engage young physicians and help them recognize the value of organized medicine. Second, as a part of organized medicine, we must be an effective voice for new models for health care delivery and payment reform from the physician perspective. To address these opportunities, the GCMS leadership will seek to increase general and educational meetings, increase input communication from GCMS members on advocacy topics, and further collaborative relationships with other community groups with the aim of improving health care delivery within Southwest Missouri and at the state and national level.
The Need for Organized Medicine
Dr. Hover sees a bright future for the practice of medicine. Whenever I get a chance to speak to students beginning their journey to learn to provide some aspect of medical care, I take every opportunity to encourage them. I like to say that, “If you like people and you like applying science to help people, don’t worry about the detractions and distractions. You will have a satisfying career.” We active physicians absolutely must be engaged in changes in health care for that to remain true. Our first duty is to be an advocate for patients. That requires we also be an advocate for the direction of health care changes we think important to deliver care our patients value. I truly believe that whether you are an independent or employed physician, small office practice or large health care system, we can advocate for common issues that are important to patients and the practice of medicine.
I recognize that not all practicing physicians recognize the value of professional advocacy at this time and particularly not for young professionals just starting their career. However, if physicians do not lead health care changes, the void will be filled by many other organized health care business entities such as government regulatory agencies, payers, insurance companies, other providers, advocacy interest groups, device manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and non-medically trained practitioners. I don’t mean to imply that any of these groups are inherently bad, but all may have a different directional view for the future of medicine than physicians.
Yes, politics is messy and organized medicine is imperfect. However, we all have an opportunity to use our collective efforts to be the most effective voice for our patients and our profession. It is the intent, and reflected in the mission of Greene County Medical Society, Missouri State Medical Association, and the American Medical Association that physician involvement is necessary to lead the successful transition of our current health care to better meet individual patient and population needs, and that organized medicine can provide physician guidance to meet those needed changes.
Think of the potential if we can effectively collaborate and influence other organized health care providers such as government, hospital associations, payers, and health systems. We treat one patient at a time to effect a cure, but we have to treat all of national health care delivery to improve our systems. Please encourage physicians who wonder about the value of joining them to join the members of GCMS, MSMA, and AMA. Together, we can treat all of the national health care delivery system effectively.
This article includes excerpts from the November 2015 and January 2016 GCMS Journal.