From the start of medical training, involvement in policy and advocacy has been central to shaping the direction of medicine, according to the incoming president of the Colorado Medical Society (CMS). Reflecting on their career, the new CMS leader described early experiences attending meetings with organizations such as the Indiana State Medical Association and American Medical Association. These experiences highlighted that decisions impacting physicians and patients are often made without direct physician input if they do not participate.
The president recounted initial steps in advocacy: “Like many who begin this journey, I started small: attending meetings, writing testimony with friends late into the night, and learning how our voices could shape the future of our profession. Those early experiences taught me two things: policy matters and physicians working together can move mountains.”
Throughout their career in Colorado, ongoing involvement in organized medicine has continued. The CMS president stated: “Through residency, early practice, and now decades into my career in Colorado, I have stayed involved in the Colorado Medical Society and the AMA – not because it was easy, but because it was essential. I have seen firsthand how organized medicine protects patients, advances science, and defends the integrity of our profession. 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.”
Support from mentors and peers was emphasized as a driving force for sustained engagement: “Along the way, I was supported and inspired by mentors who opened doors for me and by peers who reminded me that collaboration is our greatest strength.” The impact extended beyond professional circles to family life: “I raised two children during this time, and they grew up attending many medical society meetings. They learned – as I did – that meaningful progress takes commitment, courage, and community.”
Taking on leadership at CMS is described as a result of sustained engagement: “As I take on the responsibility of CMS President, my journey is not just a personal milestone, it is proof of what happens when physicians stay engaged. Organized medicine gives us a voice, but only if we use it.”
The president outlined challenges currently facing healthcare professionals—workforce strain, administrative burdens, threats to physician-patient relationships—and called for broad participation from all physicians.
“I am thrilled to have the role of president of the CMS. 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. Join a committee. Write a resolution. Mentor a medical student. Testify at the Capitol. Stand up for this profession and for the future of medicine in Colorado,” said the new president.
Looking ahead at priorities for their term leading CMS—practice sustainability stands out due to concerns over reimbursement rates remaining stagnant while operational costs increase; mental health support for physicians remains critical; membership growth will be encouraged through outreach efforts led by Dr. Omar Mubarak.
“Our work continues – and this year the Colorado Medical Society is poised for meaningful progress. My focus as president is grounded in three priorities: practice sustainability, physician wellbeing, and greater physician engagement in organized medicine. I’m proud that the new CMS strategic plan… aligns with these pillars,” said CMS’s new leader.
Addressing practice conditions statewide: “Across the state I’ve watched physicians work harder for less reimbursement while malpractice costs… stay [the] same… Too many colleagues are forced to choose employment over independence or leave medicine entirely.” The statement calls for restoring respect for physicians’ roles along with securing fair payment.
On mental health support initiatives: “We already provide one-on-one wellbeing ‘consults’ through Doc2Doc… passed legislation last session to remove stigmatizing language from medical license applications… Burnout is a crisis…” They also expressed intentions to further advocate for mental health resources.
Membership growth remains an ongoing challenge; effective communication about existing benefits like advocacy efforts will be prioritized alongside expanding outreach strategies under Dr. Mubarak’s guidance.
Concluding optimistically about community-building within organized medicine: “So I challenge each of you: bring one new member into CMS before December… If each does that… we transform.”
