Psychiatrist Inaugurated as AMA President

Psychiatrist Jeremy Lazarus, M.D., was inaugurated last night as president of the American Medical Association. Lazarus, pictured in the center taking the oath of office, is a former speaker of the APA Assembly. His wife Deborah is holding the Bible. Administering the oath is Robert Wah, M.D., chair of the AMA Board of Trustees.

In his presidential address, Lazarus drew on his experience as a psychiatrist to emphasize the need for unity among physicians in achieving the goals of the AMA, which include health care reform and universal access to care, malpractice liability reform, and reform of the Medicare payment system.

“In the 21^st century we can advance and grow only by incorporating the insights of physicians from all specialties, cultures, practice settings, regions and ideologies,” Lazarus said. “There is a real opportunity, regardless of the political paralysis in Washington, for us to unify and promote the practice of medicine to AMA members and nonmember physicians around the country. But any success will materialize only if we are unified on the issues that matter most to us and to our patients.”

For coverage of the House of Delegates meeting see upcoming editions of Psychiatric News. For information about Lazarus see Psychiatric News here.

(Image: Mark Moran)