The Arkansas Medical Society (AMS), a physician group advocating for health care improvements statewide, met recently at the Doubletree Hotel in Little Rock to elect new officers, attend educational programs, and plan advocacy efforts.
Pine Bluff Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Amy Cahill, MD, was named president of the group. Dr. Cahill, who practices at the Genesis Center for Women, has been a member of the AMS for nearly 20 years and has served in various roles, including chairperson of the groups’ young physicians committee, and also on the Board of Trustees, representing the physicians and patients of Southeast Arkansas.
During her inaugural address overlooking the Arkansas River, Dr. Cahill stated, “(the AMS) is about us - doctors in Arkansas - and how we can stand together as a strong voice to better the practice of medicine in Arkansas, be advocates for our patients, deliver evidence-based medicine, and protect our trade; not for personal gain, but for the people of Arkansas.”
Dr. Cahill’s emphasis on the importance of the work the organization does to protect Arkansas’ patients was a theme that echoed throughout the weekend-long meeting.
Other newly-elected leaders include President-Elect Lee Archer, MD (Little Rock); AMA Delegate G. Edward Bryant, MD; (West Memphis); AMA Alternate Delegate Eugene Shelby, MD (Hot Springs); and District Trustees Tim Paden, MD, (Mountain Home); Robert Zimmerman, MD, (Rogers); Jeremy Saul, MD, (Russellville); Samuel Bledsoe, MD, (Little Rock); Matthew Spond, MD (Little Rock); Kay Chandler, MD, (Little Rock); Gary Wheeler, MD, (Little Rock); and Jesal Shah (Student Trustee - UAMS).
In addition to the specific duties of each office, these physicians will work to continue the medical society’s mission of improving Arkansas health care through legislation, education, and the day-to-day support of patients and medical practices.
For over 140 years, the Arkansas Medical Society has served the physicians and patients of Arkansas. This year in the Arkansas Legislature, AMS successfully supported legislation expanding access to physicians using telemedicine technologies, supported efforts to increase access to care through the Arkansas Works Medicaid expansion program, and supported a patient’s right to know where to find their physician in the event the physician changes practice location.
Other significant legislative advances for Arkansas patients and physicians supported by AMS in the past include: establishing a statewide trauma system, passage of the Clean Indoor Air Act, funding tobacco prevention and cessation programs, funding cancer research, providing vision screening in schools, and protecting an Arkansan’s right to choose their physician through “Any Willing Provider” legislation. The Arkansas Medical Society is a voluntary professional association established in 1875, representing more than 4,300 physicians and medical students, as well as the patients and communities they serve.
Pictured above, Amy Cahill, MD, of Pine Bluff, is sworn in as president of the Arkansas Medical Society by Immediate Past President Scott Cooper, MD, while several past presidents of the organization look on.