Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld Takes Over American Medical Association Amidst Difficult Times
Key Highlights :
Facing doctor burnout, soaring medical costs and an influx of legislation targeting the LGBTQ community, Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld made history this week when he was inaugurated as the new president of the American Medical Association, becoming the first openly gay leader of the nation's largest group of physicians and medical students. As Ehrenfeld takes over at a difficult time, he is hoping to improve health equity for all underserved groups and be a role model for any young doctors, as well as for his own sons.
COVID-19 has brought increased stress for physicians, including a 'twindemic' of the disease and a pandemic of misinformation and bad information. The health care system is in crisis, Ehrenfeld says, with many backseat drivers telling physicians how to practice medicine and putting barriers in care. In at least six states, he says, if he practices evidence-based care, he can go to jail. This criminalization has occurred in areas including gender-affirming care and abortion services.
Ehrenfeld has expressed his concern that these barriers in care are deeply damaging, not just to the health of patients who are seeking specific services, but to every American. He has seen patients who no longer can find an OB-GYN because OB-GYNs are leaving a state where they have criminalized certain aspects of care.
With his new role, Ehrenfeld hopes to be an example for any young doctors, as well as for his own sons. He wants them to know that they shouldn't let anything get in their way of following their dreams. He also hopes that those who are different will see themselves in his example and not let anyone tell them they can't do something because of who they are.
As the new president of the American Medical Association, Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld is taking over at a difficult time. He is facing doctor burnout, soaring medical costs and an influx of legislation targeting the LGBTQ community. However, Ehrenfeld is hoping to improve health equity for all underserved groups and be a role model for any young doctors, as well as for his own sons. He wants them to know that they shouldn't let anything get in their way of following their dreams and that anyone who is different should not let anyone tell them they can't do something because of who they are.
