Florida Doctors Stick with AMA Despite Healthcare Overhaul Concerns
Monday, August 16, 2010
By: Judith Smelser

August 17 -- The Florida Medical Association has decided not to cut ties with the American Medical Association, despite a disagreement over President Obama's health care overhaul. At a meeting in Orlando this weekend, the FMA rejected a proposal to split from the AMA, even though Florida physicians are still angry at the national group for supporting the administration's healthcare law.

At a closed-door meeting, the Florida Medical Association decided to stay with the AMA but to send a letter of protest about the group’s handling of the national health care debate.  FMA president Madelyn Butler released a statement Monday saying the letter would convey the group’s vote of “no confidence” in the current AMA leadership on the issue.

According to the statement, the FMA feels the national organization has “failed to represent practicing physicians on the issue of health care reform.”

However, the statement goes on to say it’s important for Florida doctors to stay engaged in the development of federal health care policy, so the FMA will continue to send delegates to American Medical Association meetings.

Ft. Myers plastic surgeon Douglas Stevens introduced the resolution that sparked the debate.  He hoped Florida doctors could join with physicians in other like-minded states and form their own advocacy group apart from the AMA.