Doctors for America

Mandy Cohen

Doctors for America is a national movement of physicians and medical students working together to improve the health of the nation and to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, high-quality health care. Doctors for America operates under the belief that doctors and medical professionals have a critical role to play in advocating for health care policies that are in the best interest of patients and the health of the nation.

History

Doctors for America was founded in 2009, during a pivotal time in the United States when health care reform was a significant issue on the national agenda. The organization grew out of the recognition that physicians and medical students have a unique perspective and voice that could contribute to the national conversation about health care reform, particularly in the context of the debates leading up to the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Mission and Goals

The mission of Doctors for America is to mobilize the medical community to advocate for health care policies that improve access to affordable and high-quality health care for all Americans. Key goals include the expansion of health care access, the improvement of health care quality, and the promotion of health equity. Doctors for America focuses on policy advocacy, public education, and community outreach to achieve these goals.

Activities

Doctors for America engages in a variety of activities to promote its mission, including:

• Advocacy: Lobbying for health care policies at both the state and federal levels that expand access to care, improve quality, and increase affordability.
• Education: Organizing educational events and resources for physicians, medical students, and the public to inform them about health care issues and policy.
• Community Outreach: Working at the grassroots level to understand community health care needs and to mobilize local health care providers in support of health care reform.

Impact

Since its inception, Doctors for America has played a role in several key health care policy developments and debates. The organization has been particularly active in advocating for the preservation and expansion of the ACA, addressing the opioid crisis, and promoting policies that address social determinants of health. Through its advocacy and outreach efforts, Doctors for America has contributed to the national dialogue on health care and has worked to ensure that the voices of health care providers and patients are heard in policy discussions.

Challenges

One of the main challenges facing Doctors for America is navigating the highly politicized environment surrounding health care policy in the United States. Achieving bipartisan support for health care reforms and policies is often difficult, and the organization must work to find common ground among stakeholders with diverse views. Additionally, engaging a busy and diverse medical community in advocacy efforts requires significant outreach and coordination.

Future Directions

Looking forward, Doctors for America aims to continue its advocacy for comprehensive health care reform that ensures access to affordable, high-quality care for all Americans. The organization plans to focus on key issues such as health care equity, the impact of climate change on health, and the integration of technology in health care delivery. By mobilizing the medical community, Doctors for America seeks to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of health care policy in the United States.