Doctor Day 2015 brought 250 physicians from across the state to Madison to meet with legislators and their staffs today. Key issues discussed included proposed changes to Wisconsin’s Worker’s Compensation system, opposition to a proposal to expand the scope of and create independent practice for advanced practice nurses, and support of a proposal to implement an Interstate Licensing Compact—an optional, alternative pathway for qualified physicians to become licensed in multiple states in an expedited manner. In addition to visits with legislators, participants had the opportunity to hear from State Senators Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) and Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa), as well as Governor Scott Walker.
“We believe the quality of health care in this state is a tremendous asset, not just to our quality of life but to economic development,” Gov. Walker said, adding that access to quality health care is a “must” for businesses looking to grow in or move to Wisconsin. “It’s a real premium…that’s why we want to continue to partner with you and the systems and organizations you represent.”
Doctor Day provides a unique opportunity for physicians to come together to advocate on behalf of patients and the medical profession. Today’s participants represented 20 different physician organizations and partners: Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians, Wisconsin Academy of Ophthalmology, Wisconsin Association of Hematology and Oncology, Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Wisconsin Chapter American College of Cardiology, Wisconsin Chapter American College of Emergency Physicians, Wisconsin Chapter of the American College of Physicians, Wisconsin Medical Society, Wisconsin Neurological Society, Wisconsin Orthopedic Society, Wisconsin Psychiatric Association, Wisconsin Radiological Society, Wisconsin Section – The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Wisconsin Society of Anesthesiologists, Wisconsin Society of Pathologists, Wisconsin Surgical Society—ACS, Wisconsin Medical Group Management Association, Association of Wisconsin Surgery Centers, Medical College of Wisconsin, and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.