President’s letter: Privileges, professionalism, personal

Sunday, July 01, 2012 01:05 PM

F. Brent Keeler, President
Colorado Medical Society

During the past year, friends and colleagues have asked me how things are going during my term as CMS president. I have consistently replied to the effect that this has been the most rewarding experience of my professional life. Indeed, it has been a tremendous privilege to serve in this role. Particularly gratifying have been the numerous opportunities to meet physicians from all over Colorado.

I want to personally thank all of those who make CMS so successful. Thanks to our CEO, Alfred Gilchrist, and his terrific staff. Thanks to the CMS board members who give of their own time to serve our membership. Thanks to the physician leaders, members and executive management of our various component societies. Thanks to those docs who participate on our various councils and committees. Thanks to all of our individual members. Thanks to our friends and allies in the greater Colorado community, from organizations to lobbyists to elected officials and beyond. The list goes on TNTC (too numerous to count).

What a privilege to participate in the AMA House of Delegates meetings. It is very eye opening to realize all that the AMA does for our patients and us. For those who are not members, please reconsider joining. Yes, dues are involved – and, yes, it’s worth it!

We have seen “professionalism” discussed and pondered and pontificated on. The AMA has spoken about it at length. State medical boards have policies and regulations on it. Each of us could write our own definition. We all stand behind the generally accepted concept of, first and foremost, rendering excellent patient care. I submit that there is more. Here are two ideas to broaden the concept.

First, true “professionals” are self-aware and are aware of each other. This is the central tenet of physician wellness. It has been a privilege to be involved in the CMS initiative on physician wellness. It is my fervent hope that we will see a culture change: a move away from the old way of silent self-sacrifice, and toward a new paradigm in which seeking and offering help among colleagues is integrated into our basic professionalism.

Second, “professionalism” entails “system-awareness.” We physicians have responsibilities above and beyond those directed toward any one individual patient. I submit that excellent patient care of any one patient is a basic expectation that our society has of physicians. This is no longer enough. Throughout the health care world, physician involvement is woven into the fabric. Without this, the system not only fails to improve, it crumbles. The depth of involvement isn’t really important. Rather, every physician should be doing something to make health care better. From the Bylaws Committee at your local health care facility all the way to president of the AMA, there are abundant opportunities. I challenge Colorado’s physicians to seek out and engage!

Finally, on a personal level, my family and I wish to express our heartfelt thank you for the outpouring of support from Colorado’s medical community. The loss of our daughter’s husband on July 17 is truly a tragedy. Love and support from family and friends has meant everything for us. Thank you.