More than 300 physicians, medical students participate in Doctor Day 2016 at State Capitol

Madison, Wis.—In spite of the frigid temperatures, Doctor Day 2016 brought over 300 physicians and medical students from across the state to Madison to meet with legislators and their staffs today. Key issues included those critical to public health (the Heroin, Opiate Prevention and Education [HOPE] legislative agenda), patient safety (concerns over a bill allowing physical therapists to independently order X-rays) and the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship (a specific section of a proposed child abuse law).

Organized by the Wisconsin Medical Society (Society) and other key physician partners across a wide spectrum of specialties and physician-led organizations, Doctor Day provides a unique opportunity for physicians to come together to advocate on behalf of patients and the medical profession.

“Each year, Doctor Day surpasses our expectations by drawing more and more physicians to the Capitol, and this year was again a resounding success,” said Donn Dexter, MD, the Society’s chief medical officer. “As physicians, we are privileged every day to care for our patients in our practices, but it’s also very important and rewarding to meet with legislators to share both our gratitude and concerns. Today we were able to thank our lawmakers for working together to pass the HOPE Agenda, and to also express our concerns about proposals like AB 489, which could have a negative impact on patients and health care in Wisconsin.”

In addition to visits with legislators, participants had the opportunity to hear from Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch and Wisconsin State Medical Examining Board member Tim Westlake, MD, who spoke about his involvement in HOPE efforts throughout the state.

Today’s participants represented 20 different physician organizations and partners: the Wisconsin Medical Society, Medical College of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians, Wisconsin Academy of Ophthalmology, Wisconsin Association of Hematology and Oncology, Wisconsin Association of Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons, Wisconsin Chapter-American College of Cardiology, Wisconsin Chapter American College of Emergency Physicians, Wisconsin Chapter-American Academy of Pediatrics, Wisconsin Chapter of the American College of Physicians, Wisconsin Medical Group Management Association, Wisconsin Neurological Society, Wisconsin Orthopedic Society, Wisconsin Psychiatric Association, Wisconsin Radiological Society, Wisconsin Section-ACOG, Wisconsin Society of Anesthesiologists, Wisconsin Society of Pathologists, Wisconsin Surgical Society.

With over 12,800 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841.