More than 450 physicians, medical students participate in Doctor Day 2018 at State Capitol

Doctor Day 2018 brought more than 450 physicians and medical students from across the state to Madison to meet with legislators and their staffs today. Key issues included a proposed Worker’s Compensation fee schedule, a bill allowing chiropractors to perform comprehensive sports physicals for high school and college athletes, and legislation removing the requirement for certain nurses to work in collaboration with a physician.

Prior to meeting with legislators at the State Capitol, attendees heard from speakers including Gov. Scott Walker, who highlighted his Health Care Stability Plan to lower individual health care premium costs, provide seniors with greater health care stability, and protect those with preexisting conditions. He also discussed recent initiatives to combat the opioid crisis in Wisconsin.

“Addiction knows no boundaries. It involves all of us,” he said. “Over the past four years I’ve had the honor of signing 28 pieces of legislation that have come out of the HOPE agenda, but there is still more work to be done.

“We can’t afford to have anybody on the sidelines, and that includes those suffering from addiction today,” he continued. “We need to get them healthy, back up on their feet again, and right back into the workforce where they can lead strong and healthy and safe lives and be a part of making this state even better going forward.”

In addition to hearing from Governor Walker and other speakers, attendees participated in an issue briefing before heading to the State Capitol to meet with lawmakers.

Now in its fifth year, Doctor Day is a partnership among the Wisconsin Medical Society (Society) and other key physician groups and physician-led organizations. The day-long event provides a unique opportunity for physicians from across the state to collaborate and share with policymakers facts and data on timely health care issues.

“As physicians, we have the privilege of caring for patients every day, and when we come together for Doctor Day, we are reminded how important it is to also have a voice outside the exam room,” said Society President Noel Deep, MD. “Doctor Day continues to grow each year, and it’s incredibly gratifying to see physicians from all specialties and practice types united to advocate on behalf of patients and the medical profession.”

Today’s participants represented 24 different physician organizations and partners: the Wisconsin Medical Society, Medical College of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Axley Brynelson, Association of Wisconsin Surgery Centers, Brown County Medical Society, Waukesha County Medical Society, Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians, Wisconsin Academy of Ophthalmology, Wisconsin Association of Hematology and Oncology, Wisconsin Chapter American College of Emergency Physicians, Wisconsin Chapter of the American College of Physicians, Wisconsin Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Wisconsin Dermatological Society, Wisconsin Neurological Society, Wisconsin Orthopaedic Society, Wisconsin Psychiatric Association, Wisconsin Radiological Society, Wisconsin Section-American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Wisconsin Society of Addiction Medicine, Wisconsin Society of Anesthesiologists, Wisconsin Society of Pathologists, Wisconsin Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Wisconsin Surgical Society.

With more than 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.