Last Updated: Dec 8, 2023
Fellow physicians,
It has been a profound honor to have served as your president during PAMED’s 175th milestone year. I thank you for your support.
Throughout this tenure, I have had the privilege to journey across our Commonwealth and engage with countless physicians. I have heard their stories, their challenges, their adaptation, their innovations. The level of commitment to patients and dedication
to craft has been inspiring.
Medicine, at its core, is a dynamic and iterative practice. It builds upon itself to become an ever-evolving, better version of itself. So do the physicians who toil within this ever-changing rubric. However, this journey has had its share of hurdles;
from the swift transition to electronic health records – with some of its yet unmet promises – to the stifling reporting and legislative mandates. The consolidation of health systems, the impact of commercial payors and the influx of private
equity and other profit-driven entities have undeniably impacted our profession.
Yet, for every challenge, there is an equally remarkable advancement. The emergence of targeted molecular and immune therapies, advances in surgical techniques, the swift progress in medical imaging and the innovative vaccine strategies seen during the
recent pandemic are testament to our profession’s innovation. The rise of artificial intelligence heralds a new era, potentially revolutionizing healthcare as a significant disruptor.
Our profession’s essence, however, remains. Few vocations have the privilege to exist in that sacred space between a physician and patient from the first to the last full measure of our patient’s lives. As physicians, like our profession,
we evolve and improve, consistently advocating for those under our care. Despite external pressures, economic growth of the health care sector within our economy, burnout and challenges to our autonomy, our collective strength and particularly within
the Pennsylvania Medical Society, ensures our relevance.
Organized medicine remains the best vehicle to champion and channel our professional voice. Your Pennsylvania Medical Society has remained steadfast to its mission. As stated in our original constitution from April 12, 1848, our objective is the “the
advancement of medical knowledge, the elevation of professional character, the protection of the interests of its members, the extension of the bounds of medical science, and the promotion of all measures adapted to the relief of suffering, and to
improve the health and protect the lives of the community.” I can think of no more noble profession as we have remained true to these founding values.
As we move forward let us give our full support to Dr. Kristen Sandel in her year ahead as our president. She embodies the spirit of our shared journey and I stand confident in her to lead us as we continue to strive towards that common good.
Sincerely,
F. Wilson Jackson, III, MD
President
Pennsylvania Medical Society