From the beginning of medical training, physicians are often reminded that their impact extends beyond patient care in clinical settings. The current president of the Colorado Medical Society (CMS) reflected on how early involvement in organizations like the Indiana State Medical Association and the American Medical Association shaped their understanding of advocacy’s importance.
“I didn’t know much about policy or advocacy, but I saw quickly that if physicians don’t show up, decisions about us – and our patients – will be made without us,” the CMS president said.
Early experiences included attending meetings, writing testimony, and learning how collective physician voices could influence change. These efforts highlighted that policy matters and collaboration among physicians can drive significant progress.
Through years of practice in Colorado and ongoing participation in organized medicine, the CMS president has observed how these groups work to protect patients, advance science, and uphold professional integrity. “I have testified on issues that affect how we practice. I have watched resolutions turn into real change. I have traveled across the country to stand with colleagues who believe, as I do, that advocacy is part of our calling.”
Mentorship and peer support played a crucial role throughout this journey. The CMS president noted raising children who witnessed firsthand the commitment required for meaningful progress.
Taking on leadership at CMS is described as both a personal milestone and an example of what engaged physicians can achieve together. “Organized medicine gives us a voice, but only if we use it.”
Current challenges such as workforce strain, administrative burdens, and threats to physician-patient relationships require leadership from all members of the profession. The CMS president emphasized: “That means all of us. Not just the people at the microphones, not just those with titles, but every physician who believes our patients deserve better.”
Encouraging wider participation within CMS remains a key goal: “I am here because a physician leader once tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘Get involved – we need you.’ I offer every CMS member the same invitation.” Suggestions for engagement include joining committees, mentoring students, writing resolutions, or testifying at legislative hearings.
Looking ahead to 2026 initiatives under new leadership at CMS focus on three priorities: practice sustainability, physician wellbeing, and increased engagement in organized medicine. A new strategic plan aligning with these pillars is set for release soon.
The first priority is ensuring sustainable practices for physicians statewide. Many face lower reimbursements while malpractice costs remain unchanged; some must choose employment over independence or consider leaving medicine altogether due to financial pressures.
“We didn’t choose medicine to get rich – we chose it to serve,” said the CMS president. “But service must also be sustainable.” They called for fair compensation so that doctors can continue providing care without jeopardizing their livelihoods.
Second is protecting mental health among physicians. Programs like Doc2Doc offer individual well-being consultations; recent legislative changes have removed stigmatizing language from licensing applications; public messaging reminds communities that doctors are people too.
“Burnout is a crisis,” stated the CMS leader. There are ongoing efforts to advocate for more mental health resources and reduce barriers for those seeking help—especially important given high rates of debt among medical graduates and limited behavioral health services.
Finally, increasing membership engagement remains central to strengthening organized medicine’s influence in Colorado: “The truth is, CMS already delivers value – advocacy, policy leadership, legal protections, education – but too many physicians don’t know what we do for them every day.” Outreach efforts aim to connect with isolated or overworked professionals across the state through committee work led by Dr. Omar Mubarak and broader community involvement.
The president concluded by encouraging members: “So I challenge each of you: bring one new member into CMS before December… If each of us does that… we transform.”
