More than 400 physicians, medical students participate in Doctor Day 2017 at State Capitol

Madison, Wis.—Doctor Day 2017 brought more than 400 physicians and medical students from across the state to Madison to meet with legislators and their staffs today.

Key issues included the Heroin, Opiate Prevention and Education [HOPE] bills currently part of a special session of the state legislature, the potential for fundamental changes to the Medicaid program and promoting greater access to mental and behavioral health services.

A partnership among the Wisconsin Medical Society (Society) and other key physician groups 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.

“This is the fourth year physicians across all specialties and organizations have joined together on Doctor Day, and it’s gratifying to see medicine unite on issues important to our patients and the profession,” said Society President Barbara Hummel, MD. “We’ve had more participants every year, which shows both the importance of current health care issues and the dedication physicians have to share the latest facts and data with policymakers. Doctor Day allows physicians across the profession to collaborate no matter where they work, and in that spirit our desire is to include our state government policymakers in that collaboration.”

In addition to visits with legislators, participants had the opportunity to hear from Wisconsin Medicaid Director Michael Heifetz and State Representatives Kathy Bernier and Debra Kolste.

Today’s participants represented 22 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 Dermatological Society, 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 Society of Plastic Surgeons and Wisconsin Surgical Society.

With nearly 12,500 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.