I feel as if I’ve conquered my first mountain of grad school.
Yesterday Dr. Persuasion handed back our first round of papers and gave me an “A” followed by “well done.” I tried to contain my childish glee and maintain my “I-want-to-be-a-grad-student” composure.
It took me back to my freshman year of college, those agonizing days before your first paper is due to a professor you want so desperately to please. Maybe it’s just my intense desire to do it right the first time, but I always loved and dreaded getting back that first paper.
Now that it is turned in and graded and done, here’s a small excerpt from the introduction:
As the largest organization of practicing physicians in the United States, the American Medical Association (AMA) has assumed several roles in the current health care debate, that of medical expert, representative advocate, and national physician. Founded in 1847 by Dr. Nathan Smith Davis, the AMA was created for the purpose of “elevat[ing] the standard of medical education in the United States,” a mission which quickly evolved to include other goals such as advancing the science of medicine, developing a program of medical ethics, and improving the health of the general public. With approximately 250,000 members, the American Medical Association is the largest association of doctors in the country and speaks as an authoritative voice to President Obama, the United States Congress, and the general public on issues surrounding medicine and public health.
The American Medical Association has been a powerful voice in debates over U.S. health care issues for decades. During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt attempted to include universal health care in the Social Security Act of 1935 but eventually removed the measure due to the AMA’s vehement opposition. He tried again in 1939 but failed, again because of the AMA. In 1945 his successor, Harry Truman, made a similar proposal for public health coverage. But during a time of widespread fear of communism and “socialized medicine,” the American Medical Association enlisted the help of the pharmaceutical industry and the American Bar association to defeat Truman’s plan. Current experts also cite the AMA as playing “a lead role” in defeating President Bill Clinton’s plan for health care reform in 1994.
With such a long history of influence, many lawmakers in Washington, including President Barack Obama, view the American Medical Association as a key partner in passing a health care reform bill. Their approval—or disapproval—could mean the success or failure of any attempts at health care reform. As The New York Times states, the AMA “has more influence than any other group in the health care industry,” noting that “lawmakers seek its opinion and support whenever possible.” Aware of their influential position, the AMA takes on three specific roles as rhetor in the health care debate: medical expert, representative advocate, and national physician.
The next paper mountain looms in the distance… well, the distance of three weeks before its’ due date. But now I have a bit more confidence and am eager for the challenge. I’m thankful for these small steps of progress and how God continues to make a way.
